Rod Brind'Amour Honored With North Carolina's Highest Civilian Award as Hurricanes Soar
Rod Brind'Amour Honored With North Carolina's Highest Civilian Award as Hurricanes Soar
In an emotionally charged ceremony, Carolina Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind'Amour was bestowed with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine by North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper. This prestigious award, the state's highest civilian honor, was presented to Brind'Amour following the Hurricanes' decisive 4-1 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets, highlighting a night of celebration both on and off the ice.
A Legacy of Leadership
Brind'Amour, who is in his seventh season at the helm of the Hurricanes, has long been a cornerstone of the franchise. His roots with the team run deep—he spent ten years as a player, including captaining them to their lone Stanley Cup victory in 2006. His tenure as coach has continued to build on that legacy, leading to a culture of success and cohesion that is evident in the team's performance.
Governor Cooper, a staunch supporter of the Hurricanes, praised Brind'Amour's multifaceted impact on the state, lauding his contributions not just as a coach and former player, but as a parent and youth hockey advocate as well. "What he has meant to North Carolina is extraordinary, both as a player, as a coach, as a parent, involvement in youth hockey," Cooper remarked. He went on to highlight the economic and cultural benefits the team has brought to North Carolina, emphasizing Brind'Amour's role in creating "a culture of winning."
A Humble Recognition
During the post-game proceedings, Governor Cooper shared his thoughts with the team, commending Brind'Amour's dedication to the sport and his players. “I went into the locker room after the game and told the players that this guy wouldn't want me to do what I was about to do because this guy is all about his players and all about team,” Cooper stated, underscoring Brind'Amour's team-first mentality.
In response, Brind'Amour displayed characteristic humility, deflecting praise onto his players and associates. “It's not about me. We've got such a good group. I was a part of a group of great people all along,” he said, reaffirming his commitment to the collective achievements of his team.
Setting Sights on More Glory
The ceremony also carried a note of optimism and anticipation for the future. With the Hurricanes' recent form and Brind'Amour's guidance, hopes are high for another Stanley Cup run. Governor Cooper, whose involvement with the team on that night extended to announcing the starting lineup, left the coach with a definitive call to action: “Coach, it’s time to get that Stanley Cup this time.”
As Governor Cooper nears the end of his second term due to term limits, his longstanding affiliation with North Carolina's sporting culture remains evident. Prior to honoring Brind'Amour, he conferred the same accolade on renowned sports figures like Duke's Mike Krzyzewski and plans to honor former North Carolina Tar Heels coach Roy Williams soon. At 67, Cooper remains a passionate advocate for sports in the state.
With both the governor’s and the community’s support, and guided by Brind'Amour's experienced hand, the Hurricanes aim to emulate the achievements of their past, while forging new paths into the future. The accolade not only commemorates Brind'Amour's contributions but also underscores the deep ties between community, leadership, and sport that define North Carolina.
