After an improbable run to the Eastern Conference Finals in the Stanley Cup playoffs last season, the Carolina Hurricanes are back after a shortened off-season in hopes of reaching the playoffs for their second consecutive year.
The RBC Center, known as Raleigh’s hub for basketball and hockey, will be alive once again as the Hurricanes take on the Philadelphia Flyers tonight at 7 p.m. Some of that loud and boisterous energy comes from State’s campus as student “Caniacs” take to the arena to cheer on the local NHL team.
A unique aspect to hockey in Raleigh is the tailgating that takes place before games. In cold weather cities such as Buffalo, tailgating is not a sensible practice. However, Raleigh’s temperate climate allows for pregame socials. Just as they do for State football games, students will pack their tailgate and head to the RBC Center parking lots before the hockey game.
“To compare to State football tailgating, I would say tailgating for the ‘Canes games is better,” Stewart Poole, a junior in business administration, said.
Last season, the Hurricanes made it all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals by upsetting a couple of top-seeded hockey clubs. With the core of that same roster intact this season, expectations from student fans are high going into this season.
In addition to star players such as Eric Staal and Cam Ward, the ‘Canes have made a few key off-season additions to solidify the depth of the roster by adding veteran presence on the offensive and defensive ends.
Spencer Cain, a junior in business administration, said he is eagerly anticipating the puck drop.
“I have high expectations for the season with a beefed up defensive core, and a good goalie,” Cain said.
Students can take advantage of many special ticket offers from the Hurricanes. The most popular ticket offer is the ‘Canes College Nights promotion. The Hurricanes have designated seven games throughout the season in which college students can purchase tickets with a valid student ID. Tickets for college night games are $30 for a lower level seat, and $15 dollars for upper level tickets.
“Anytime is a good night to go, especially college nights,” Poole said.
Students who choose to attend games will get a sneak peek at a significant change to the RBC Center’s structure. Over the summer, crews installed a state-of-the art high definition scoreboard that has multiple screens and additional space to stream live scores and other features.
Poole said this addition to the building makes attending games even more appealing.
“Being in college, I would rather go to experience it in person, rather than just watching it on TV,” Poole said.
