RALEIGH, N.C. (WBTV) – Carolina Hurricanes fans flooded the streets of Downtown Raleigh over the weekend to celebrate the team’s second Stanley Cup Championship in 20 years.
Head coach Rod Brind’Amour helped set the tone on Saturday, June 20, hyping up a sea of “Caniacs” as the team rolled through Raleigh with hockey’s most coveted trophy.
Fans along the parade route cheered, sounded horns and packed the streets for a close-up look at the Cup and the players who delivered it.
“I think my friends thought I was crazy when we won because I was crying and laughing at the same time because I couldn’t believe my eyes,” Simon Harris, a lifelong fan said.
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The celebration stretched through the heart of Raleigh on Saturday, with fans soaking in the spectacle and showing love for a franchise that hadn’t won it all in two decades.
Fan Crystal Anthony said the season felt tense right to the finish.
“It was a nail biter, the whole season was honestly,” Anthony said. “When we got to that last game, it’s ours — it’s ours — we’re bringing it home.”
For some families, the parade doubled as a once-in-a-lifetime memory. John Barnes lifted his daughter up for a better view of the Stanley Cup.
“It’s going to be amazing, glistening in the sun, beautiful North Carolina day, crowd going crazy, church bells leading the chants,” Barnes said. “This is something she’ll remember for the rest of her life.”
Fans followed the buses down the parade route, filling streets and sidewalks to the very end. Many said the championship capped an unforgettable season and reinforced what longtime supporters have insisted for years: the Carolinas are a hockey home.
“It didn’t feel real until right before [the end of Game 6], and it’s just so incredible,” Ashesh Chatterjee said.
David Riley made the trip from Charlotte with his mother to watch the parade and celebrate the team. He said this is a victory that will be felt statewide.
“Even in Charlotte watching with the great Caniacs out there — the great community — and just celebrating this win,” Riley said. “It’s a win for Raleigh; it’s a win for North Carolina.”
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