Canes fan rewarded with Game 5 tickets after viral tattoo pledge
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- There is no questioning the passion of Carolina Hurricanes fans, which has been on full display throughout the team's run to the Stanley Cup Final.
"The city is so energized because of the Hurricanes," said Bryson Karbley.
Karbley is making sure that dedication is now permanent.
When the Hurricanes trailed 2-0 in the third period of Game 2, Karbley took to social media with a pledge.
"I was like, if they score two goals and tie the game, I will get a warning flag tattoo," Karbley said.
The Hurricanes rallied and won the game, prompting Karbley to follow through. Two nights later, he made another promise as Carolina faced an even steeper deficit.
"I tweeted if they scored four goals to tie the game, I would get the (Stormy) tattoo," he said.
As the comeback unfolded, Karbley realized he might be adding more ink.
"I leaned over, and my wife and I, when they scored the third goal, and she just turned around, and her jaw dropped, like looking at me. She was like, 'We are going to have to get another tattoo.'"
Karbley, who posts under a pseudonym, said there was never any idea of backing out.
"I wasn't going to not follow through and potentially jinx them," he said.
He worked with a Raleigh tattoo shop to design the artwork, which features a warning flag and a vintage Stormy logo on his bicep.
"I reached out to Cleopatra Ink here in Raleigh with a budget, and they emailed me back and (said), 'No budget. We want to do it for free,'" Karbley said. "They're Caniacs as well, and (said) 'we really enjoy the passion that you have and the commitment."
The tattoos caught the attention of the Hurricanes, who rewarded Karbley with tickets to Game 5 on Thursday at the Lenovo Center.
"I've never been to that big sporting event like a final, a championship, and to do it for the team that I care so much about is so exciting," he said.
Karbley said he's not done yet, leaving space for one more tattoo if the Hurricanes complete their run.
"If they win the Stanley Cup, I'll get the Stanley Cup tattoo."
