Brind'Amour Honored with Order of the Long Leaf Pine
Rod Brind'Amour is no stranger to the spotlight, particularly within the North Carolina community. The esteemed head coach of the Carolina Hurricanes was recently awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, North Carolina’s most prestigious civilian honor, presented to him by Governor Roy Cooper. This accolade is just another testament to Brind'Amour’s lasting impact both on and off the ice.
Brind'Amour's career with the Carolina Hurricanes spans across multiple roles. He joined the franchise as a player, spending ten years on the ice before transitioning into the role of head coach. In his playing days, he famously captained the team to a Stanley Cup victory in 2006, a highlight forever etched in the hearts of Hurricanes fans.
Celebrating his seventh season as head coach, Brind'Amour now leads the charge from behind the bench. His leadership style deeply resonates with the team and state, evident in Governor Cooper's words as he presented the award. “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,” Cooper remarked, applauding Brind'Amour's contributions beyond the rink.
A Memorable Night Against Columbus
The ceremony took place on a night where the Hurricanes secured a 4-1 victory against the Columbus Blue Jackets. A victory sweetened further with Governor Cooper's involvement in reading the starting lineup to the team before the game. A long-time supporter of the Hurricanes, Cooper invigorated the team with the presence that befits a governor nearing the end of his second term.
“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 shared, capturing Brind'Amour’s humility and relentless focus on the collective success of his team.
A Humble Leader
Brind'Amour, true to his character, diverted the attention to his team, acknowledging the collective efforts that have propelled the Hurricanes to success. “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 noted, emphasizing the camaraderie and solidarity that have been instrumental in crafting the team’s winning culture.
Governor Cooper, wrapping up his tenure, has made it a point to honor figures who have notably impacted sports in North Carolina, previously bestowing the Order of the Long Leaf Pine to other legends like Mike Krzyzewski and Roy Williams. Now, Brind'Amour joins this illustrious list, a fitting acknowledgment of his contributions to the game and the wider community in North Carolina.
Looking Forward
As the season progresses, hopes remain high for Coach Brind'Amour to lead the Hurricanes to another Stanley Cup victory. “Coach, it's time to get that Stanley Cup this time,” Governor Cooper encouraged, sparking aspirations for another triumphant chapter in the Hurricanes’ storied history. While the road to the Stanley Cup is fraught with challenges, Brind'Amour’s track record provides more than enough reason for optimism among fans and players alike.
Brind'Amour’s legacy in North Carolina is already robust, but with an Order of the Long Leaf Pine now added to his accolades, it cements just how cherished he is. As the Hurricanes continue their quest for glory, they do so with a coach who embodies the spirit of dedication and teamwork, inspiring both a team and a state along the way.