RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — An estimated 150,000 fans packed downtown Raleigh to celebrate the Carolina Hurricanes’ 2026 Stanley Cup championship, turning Hillsborough Street into a sea of red and black as players paraded the Cup through the city.
Crowds lined sidewalks, filled parking decks and crowded rooftops for a glimpse of the franchise’s championship celebration.
For many fans, it was a long-awaited moment years in the making. “I’ve followed the Canes since I was a freshman at State,” said fan Drew Breshingham. “Just the hype and energy with them being in the playoffs — me and my buddies always go to the Carolina Ale House and watch the playoff games.”
As the championship procession moved through downtown, fans cheered while players hoisted the Stanley Cup overhead. The atmosphere reflected the growth of hockey across the Triangle and the deep connection many residents have developed with the team.
Photo Gallery
Carolina Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal holds up the Stanley Cup as the Canes lead the crowd in a final storm surge on Saturday in Raleigh’s City Plaza.
Karl DeBlaker
For lifelong supporter Lee Mott, the parade represented a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
“This is probably my once-in-a-lifetime deal for me,” Mott said.
The celebration drew fans of all ages, including young Caniacs eager to see their favorite players.
“I like Jarvis because he scored a lot of goals,” said Hollis Anne Fields.
“I like Bussi because he is a really good goalie,” added Mia Poe.
Many attendees said they were just as excited for the speeches and the chance to recognize the people behind the team’s success.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing Rod … and everyone as they go all the way down and then the speeches at the end,” Breshingham said. “To hear him kind of say, ‘Thank you’ to everyone – I think that’s really neat.”
The Hurricanes’ championship run also highlighted the sport’s growing popularity in North Carolina. Gov. Josh Stein pointed to the state’s population growth and the increasing number of transplants from traditional hockey markets as factors driving interest in the sport.
“There are so many more people who live here today than lived here 25 years ago,” Stein said. “There’s also a lot more people who come from other hockey states and cities, so they are helping to infuse us with all that excitement on the rise, and we want to keep it going.”
Former Gov. Roy Cooper, who also participated in the celebration, said the Hurricanes’ success extends beyond sports.
“Sports can bring us together,” Cooper said. “We do live in the greatest state in the country, and I think a lot of these players love the fact that they can raise their families here in our state. They love the fact that they feel accepted by the people here.”
Cooper added that the team’s presence delivers broader benefits to North Carolina.
“When we have the Hurricanes here, that means more jobs, that means more economic development. That means more attention on our great state,” he said.
For the thousands gathered in downtown Raleigh, the parade was more than a championship celebration. It was a reflection of how the Hurricanes have helped unite a growing region around hockey and created memories that fans say will last a lifetime.
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Bianca Holman
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