Carolina Hurricanes
After the downtown Raleigh parade, the Carolina Hurricanes headed to the state legislature. For many lawmakers hockey is something new, and for the hockey players the General Assembly was also something new.
Inside the legislature, it's normally a quiet place where laws are made, but Wednesday the crowd erupted as the Hurricanes walked into the state House with Lord Stanley's cup.
Signs of how far hockey fever has spread were clearly evident as lawmakers stood up to honor the Canes.
“I grew up outside of Hartford, Connecticut and my dad had season tickets to the Whalers, so I went to many of the Whalers' games and many of the Hurricanes' games and I commend the resolution to you,” said Rep. Deborah Ross (D-Wake.)
Rep. Bernard Allen (D-Wake) added, “And I want you to know that there are Afro-Americans also who enjoy hockey. I have been to several hockey games with my grandson.”
Now these lawmakers from across the state not only are learning more about the game but are embracing it.
“For a long time in my life if I saw bunch of very fit-looking men running around with sticks I would have been very concerned. Those days have long passed and I think we all feel a great deal of what this organization has accomplished,” Senate Majority Leader Tony Rand (D-Cumberland) said.
Sen. Vernon Malone (D-Wake) added, “And strangely enough I've learned a little bit. I know at least where the goal is now. I know what a power play is now. And I learned a little bit about what it is to have the ball in the crease and who can touch it. Is it the crease? I may have gone beyond my learning.”
The Hurricanes made their way from the arena to the parade to the state legislature. While they're not exactly used to this atmosphere, the coach tried out his stuff.
“This is such a different environment from what we work in, and I'm going to be really honest -- I'm afraid to speak or if I have to ask to speak or if I need approval to speak,” Canes coach Peter Laviolette said, smiling.
This was the last public ceremony for the Hurricanes. The Canes will now head to the offseason where each person on the team and on the staff will enjoy a day with the Cup.
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