WRAL Sports Fan

WRALSportsFan

'Canes Return Home To Droves Of Fans

Jun 13, 2006

RALEIGH, N.C. — It was a hero's welcome for the Carolina Hurricanes Tuesday afternoon, as the team returned from Edmonton to a crowd of Caniacs who could not wait to welcome the team home for the next game in the Stanley Cup finals.

More than 200 fans awaited the arrival of the team at Raleigh-Durham International Airport -- some arriving more than two hours prior to the team's scheduled return to Raleigh.

There was not one goal, but two for many fans: Win the Cup, and snag the autograph of a team member along the way. But when Rod Brind'Amour, Cam Ward, Erik Staal and other 'Canes players deplaned at RDU, it was clear that they knew what their ultimate goal is.

“We did well, and we've got one more (game) to go,” said 'Canes defenseman Mike Commodore.

“(The fans) are the best,” said 'Canes forward Kevyn Adams. “They're out in full force and cheering us on, and it's nice to come back and play at home."

The Hurricanes players were cautiously optimistic as they arrived back in Raleigh, and said that the prevailing sentiment of the team is to go ahead and cap off the series with a win Wednesday night.

"We need to be ready to play," said 'Canes left wing Cory Stillman. "We don't want to go back (to Edmonton), obviously. (The Oilers') mindset is probably, 'Go back there and win one more and go back on home ice,' and you never know what can happen then."

"We're very focused that we've got to win one more game," said 'Canes center Eric Staal. "It takes four to win, and you have to put the work in before you look at the prize."

"I think that both teams are a little beat up, but mentally it'll a bit of a boost for us, obviously, having our own fans," said Carolina defenseman Glen Wesley.

Those fans could see Raleigh welcome its first major sports championship, as the 'Canes shoot for a Game-5 win at the RBC Center on Wednesday night.

If the 'Canes win Wednesday or possibly in Game 7, there will probably be a spontaneous uproar from thousands of Hurricane fans. Whether the celebration happens at the RBC Center or spills into downtown Raleigh, police say they're ready.

"Obviously, they do require specific planning and coordination,” said Raleigh police spokesman Jim Sughrue. “That work is going on now. There will be additional officers on duty and available to help the public ensure everyone can have a good, safe celebration no matter what form it takes."

Sughrue said based on past experience, the police department would expect most of the celebrating to take place at the RBC Center. But he said officers on foot, horseback, and bicycle patrol would be prepared in other parts of the city in case the Hurricanes win.

Police are trying to avoid situations that have gotten out of control in the past, like Duke and UNC's celebrations for NCAA basketball championships. There is a formal celebration being planned for the 'Canes, win or lose. It will likely be a parade and party for the team, but leaders haven't released details yet.