RALEIGH, NC. -Rod Brind'Amour will periodically reference how life in the NHL can be a lot like Groundhog Day.
From September until at least the middle of April, each day is mostly routine.
At least 82 times during that timeframe it's a game day, and seemingly every other includes a practice. Mix in an off day once per week and that's your recipe for a minimum of six months.
Of course, there are a few occasions throughout the season that break up the rhythm of things, such as the holiday break, All-Star weekend, and the league-mandated bye week, but for players with families, those are sometimes are just an attempt to play catch-up for the birthdays, anniversaries and special occasions missed when on the road. The season can be a grind.
Make no mistake though, this is not a sad story. Ask any individual in the Canes locker room and they'll tell you that they're fortunate to be able to play in the NHL. However, this is rather about appreciating the moments that break up the monotony of the season, such as the team's Fathers and Mentors trip, which has returned for the first time since the 2019-20 season.
Canes Begin Event-Filled Week With Fathers and Mentors Trip
"They had to take a lot of trips to get us here, so for us to be able to spoil them with one in return is really cool."