The Hurricanes and NHL are committed to creating another entry point for children to learn the sport through access to ball hockey -- especially for underrepresented and adaptive communities -- as part of a larger mission to make a positive impact in the community both on and off the ice throughout the region.
"With the Stadium Series, we are excited to showcase our fans and our market to the rest of the NHL, but we also realize the opportunity it presents to continue growing the game in the Triangle and our state," said Don Waddell, Hurricanes President and General Manager. "We are thrilled to partner with the NHL to provide our community with increased access and exposure to the sport we all love."
Today the Hurricanes and NHL celebrated the donation by inviting kids from Capital City Crew Boys & Girls Club, Triangle Special Hockey and Hurricanes Sled Hockey to PNC South Plaza to participate in ball hockey programming with special guests -- including Carolina Hurricanes Alumnus Shane Willis and mascot Stormy.
"Alongside the Hurricanes, we are advancing adaptations to the sport, designing and delivering the hockey experience for communities in new ways," said Kim Davis, NHL Senior Executive Vice President of Social Impact, Growth Initiatives and Legislative Affairs. "Our long-term fan growth starts right here, with children and families who are feeling the excitement and a sense of belonging in hockey for the first time."
The Legacy initiative is a continuing philanthropic endeavor through which the League and the local Club support community organizations in the host city of an NHL Event. Since having its first Legacy event in South Florida in 2003, the League, its Clubs and partners have donated more than $6 million to communities across North America. Legacy projects have aided thousands of hospital patients in recovery; helped at-risk youth and families gain better access to educational and vocational training; and provided greater access to people of all ages to learn and play hockey.
The Hurricanes will play host to the Washington Capitals in the 2023 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series at Carter-Finley Stadium, the home of the NC State Wolfpack, on Feb. 18, 2023 (8 p.m. ET on ABC, ESPN+, Sportsnet 360 and TVAS2).
