Fans gear up as Canes prepare for long-awaited Stanley Cup Final: 'Feel the energy'
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- With one day left until Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final, excitement surged across Raleigh on Monday as Carolina Hurricanes fans packed the Lenovo Center and its pro shop ahead of the team's first Stanley Cup Final appearance in 20 years.
"We love our team. Their city is 100% behind them," fan Jennifer Behr said.
"I just love them. And of course, I'm a sportsaholic anyway," fan Betsy Dupree added. "Just crazy."
The Hurricanes last reached and won the Stanley Cup Final in 2006 against the Edmonton Oilers. For some fans, the memories are vivid.
"I remember 20 years ago when they brought the Stanley Cup (to Raleigh). I got to see it. And you know, it's really excited to be back here," said fan Matt Cohen.
ALSO SEE | $17,000 for one ticket to Game 1? How not to get scammed
Inside the team store, fans browsed shirts, hats, and jerseys as they prepared for Tuesday's opener. "We're going to get a sparkly Hurricanes jersey," Behr said.
Dupree, meanwhile, debated sizes. "I'm looking for a shirt. And I don't know whether I want this size or that size," she said.
Dupree said she wasn't always a hockey fan.
"I always thought the ice hockey was a cross between a bull fight and a boxing match, and it just didn't really interest me," she said. But after attending a game in Greensboro in 1986, she was "hooked."
A free pregame concert featuring Brothers Osborne is scheduled for Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. in front of the arena, followed by a watch party on outdoor screens.
Fans and even players reflected on where they were during the Hurricanes' last championship run.
ALSO SEE | Canes Stanley Cup Final run brings buzz, big crowds to Raleigh ahead of Game 1
"I wasn't born yet," fan Samuel Crews said.
Dupree recalled buying her newborn granddaughter a Hurricanes onesie in 2006.
Hurricanes player Seth Jarvis said he was a toddler at the time.
"I was probably in preschool. Winning Stanley Cups in my driveway," he said.
For many, the return to the Final feels long overdue.
"We've seen them struggle, and we've gotten close. So close. Some of these upsets feel like breakups. But this is it. This is the bride," said fan Andreas Mosby, who ordered a customized jersey with Sebastian Aho's name on the back with a 2026 Stanley Cup patch.
Other fans said the atmosphere inside the arena is unmatched.
"The excitement level is just incredible. Being in here is amazing," Michele Garrity said.
Players echoed the enthusiasm from inside the building for the Stanley Cup Final media day.
"Obviously, in the playoffs, it's a whole 'nother animal," left wing Jordan Martinook said. "It's an incredible fanbase, incredible fans. And I'm so happy for them to have this again."
Behr said she hopes to attend the game if her family can secure tickets.
"We are 100% there," she said. "All you got to do is go to a game and feel the energy inside this building, and like, it is, like, unlike anywhere else in the world."
Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final will take place Tuesday night at the Lenovo Center, as fans hope to see the Stanley Cup return to Raleigh for the first time in two decades.
"They lock in, and they do the job now," fan Barbie Crews said. "I think it's going to be a good win for all of us coming up."
An NHL representative said an artist will perform ahead of Game 2 on Thursday, with the name expected to be announced Tuesday.
Can't get a ticket or attend the watch party? You can see all the Stanley Cup Final action on ABC11.
