Canes sign Cole in retirement ceremony, employ him again

RALEIGH (WTVD) -- Erik Cole officially finished his playing career where it started - with the Carolina Hurricanes.

On Wednesday, Cole signed a ceremonial contract before the Canes exhibition opener, and general manager Ron Francis helped Cole put on his #26 jersey one last time.

President Don Waddell will now employ Cole as a team ambassador keeping him - and his family - in the Triangle.

Cole played parts of 16 seasons in the NHL and nine of them were with the Hurricanes.

He hasn't played since a spinal contusion in 2015 when Cole was with the Red Wings.