Hidden Heroes: Meet the Carolina Hurricanes ice crew
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- If you've been to a hockey game, you've likely seen them dressed in black windbreakers, stepping onto the ice to clear buildup from the fast-paced action. They're the Carolina Hurricanes ice crew, a group of dedicated people who play a key role behind the scenes and say this season is one they won't forget.
The crew, made up of about 20 members, prepares the ice and rink for game day, ensuring players have the best possible surface. For members like Robb Wade, the job comes with a unique distinction.
"The only people that get to go on the ice are the players, the officials, and the ice crew. So, we're in a pretty select group there."
Crew members arrive roughly 3 1/2 hours before puck drop, working tirelessly to get the rink ready. During games, they shovel excess ice and operate resurfacing equipment known as the Olympia, often taking the ice during intermissions while players rest.
Longtime crew member Bill Alfano says their work puts them close to the action.
"We get a little bit maybe closer to the action because we put the ice in, and pretty obvious if there's no ice, there's no game. "
Wade says their mission is simple but critical.
"Our job really is to provide the best possible playing surface that we can for the players, and the officials, and to try to help them do the ultimate, you know, the best they can do," he said.
For Alfano, the intensity of the Stanley Cup Final stands out the most.
"When the playoffs get here, it's just bonkers. I mean, it goes up exponentially. And we get to participate in that from a work perspective, but also as a fan. And it's just a lot of fun," he said.
ALSO SEE | Caniacs soaking up every moment ahead of Saturday's Stanley Cup victory parade
Game 2 is the one he remembers most.
"When we're down to zero, and it's, I don't know, middle of the third period, and, you know, you can feel the pressure of the moment, said Alfano. "We can't lose this game. And then suddenly it, you know, Stankoven does what he does, and the rest is kind of history."
Wade was a fan watching in the stands in 2006 for the first Stanley Cup victory. This time, he was a part of the ice crew with a front row seat.
"I was a fan in 2006, and I was excited to be just in that atmosphere. It was the craziest sporting atmosphere that I've ever seen," said Wade. "It's just nice to see the whole thing come together, because who knows when it will happen again. You know, I don't expect I'll be shoveling snow in 20 years if it happens again."
Even though the season has wrapped, celebrations continue as the team and staff mark their championship run.
"Getting to celebrate something like this. This is just an awesome occasion for the team and the staff. They've worked incredibly hard."
Wade says being part of the moment, even in a small way, is meaningful.
"I'm just happy just to see it happen twice and be a little very tiny, minuscule part of it," Wade said.
Most members of the ice crew work part-time and return to their regular jobs in the offseason, which include serving in the military and teaching at N.C. State. They also hand-paint the ice, a detail that highlights their commitment to the team and the game.
