WRAL Sports Fan

Hurricane season is here

By Mike Maniscalco
Oct 10, 2008

The Carolina Hurricanes open up the regular season tonight at the RBC Center against division rival Florida. The Hurricanes have missed the playoffs the past two seasons and there is no escaping the feeling that this year there is added pressure to make the post season. Head coach Peter Laviolette commented on the upcoming season, “There is pressure every year to compete and win the prize and certainly make the playoffs.” His team is now two full seasons removed from winning the Stanley Cup Championship and the Southeast division has seen plenty of change over the summer.

The Canes have undergone big changes as well, specifically on defense. Veteran Glen Wesley retired and Bret Hedican did not return to the team making the way for General Manager Jim Rutherford to sign bigger and younger players Anton Babchuk and Josef Melichar. The biggest shake up in the off-season was the trade of Erik Cole to the Edmonton Oilers for 24 year old defenseman Joni Pitkanen, a

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Why I love Notre Dame

By Mike Maniscalco
Oct 9, 2008

The reason you have to love Notre Dame is in this question: Do you love college football?

If you answered yes, then you love the Irish football program.

What other school brings out so much passion and emotion, not just in their fan base but also in schools that do not play them? Mention Alabama to a Pac-10 fan and you’ll be greeted with indifference. Bring up Michigan to a Big East fan and there will hardly be an opinion. Say Nebraska to ACC fans maybe you’ll get a shrug.

But bring up of the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame and every fan base has something to say. That is why I love them - they are always relevant, win or lose, and that is good for college football.

Here are a few more reasons:

If you have ever been to South Bend for a game you’d understand what a football atmosphere feels like.

“Play like a Champion today!” The sign every Irish player touches on their way to the field. Every locker room

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