Rod Brind'Amour: Celebrated Figure in North Carolina Hockey
In a gesture intertwining accolades with tradition, Rod Brind'Amour, the steadfast head coach of the Carolina Hurricanes, received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, North Carolina’s most prestigious civilian award. This accolade, bestowed by Governor Roy Cooper, adds yet another laurel to Brind'Amour's illustrious career—a journey spanning both his pivotal years on the ice and his impactful tenure behind the bench.
Governor Cooper, a fervent supporter of the Hurricanes and a regular presence at their games, presented the award following the Hurricanes' commanding 4-1 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets. The ceremony highlighted not only Brind'Amour's achievements but also the cultural and economic impact of the team on the state.
“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,” Governor Cooper remarked, emphasizing Brind'Amour's humble leadership style. The coach, known for his demure demeanor, has always diverted the spotlight towards his team—a sentiment echoing throughout his tenure and captured poignantly in his own words: “It's not about me. We've got such a good group. I was a part of a group of great people all along.”
A Legacy of Excellence
Brind'Amour's legacy is woven into the fabric of North Carolina hockey. As a former player, he etched his name in the annals of history by captaining the Hurricanes to their first Stanley Cup in 2006. Now in his seventh season as head coach, he has cultivated a reputation for fostering a "culture of winning," a point reinforced by Governor Cooper: “What he has meant to North Carolina is extraordinary, both as a player, as a coach, as a parent, involvement in youth hockey. When you think about all of the jobs the Carolina Hurricanes have brought to North Carolina and their success... This guy has created a culture of winning.”
This recognition as an Order of the Long Leaf Pine recipient places Brind'Amour among other celebrated figures, including basketball coaching legends Mike Krzyzewski and soon, Roy Williams. The award spotlights individuals who have made significant contributions to the state, reflecting Brind'Amour's multifaceted influence both within and outside the rink.
Moving Forward with the Right Mindset
As the Hurricanes’ current season progresses, the team under Brind'Amour’s guidance continues to exhibit the tenacity and team spirit that have become hallmarks of his leadership. Governor Cooper, nearing the end of his second term, shared an aspirational note with the team: “Coach, it's time to get that Stanley Cup this time.” This sentiment reinforces the shared ambition between the team and its ardent supporters across North Carolina.
Governor Cooper’s involvement with the team extends beyond the ceremonial. Before the game against Columbus, he had the honor of reading the starting lineup to the players, a testament to the close-knit community that the Hurricanes have nurtured in the state.
In a State of Celebration
Governor Cooper, whose tenure as a staple of North Carolina politics is drawing to a close because of term limits, is 67 years old. The Order of the Long Leaf Pine ceremony serves as a capstone to a gubernatorial episode that has seen numerous honors conferred upon distinguished citizens who have shaped the state’s cultural and economic landscape.
For Rod Brind'Amour, this recognition embodies a career dedicated to excellence—both personal and collective. It is a reminder of his significant contributions and an encouragement to further an already profound legacy. North Carolina hockey fans, alongside Brind'Amour’s current roster, now look onward—united under the shared goal of another Stanley Cup run, led by a coach who has the respect and admiration of an entire state behind him.