Carolina Hurricanes: Three memorable moments from a wild, wacky campaign

Holyfield joins the Jerks

The Storm Surge provided many memorable moments to Canes fans this year, from Duck, Duck, Goose to an homage to the Final Four. But none were more memorable than four-time heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield’s guest appearance following a 4-2 win over Buffalo on March 16th.

Like a lot of things about this season, the celebration just sort of came together. Holyfield was in the area to support his son, who was promoting an event in Roanoke Rapids. The team invited him to attend the game as a special guest.

Brind’Amour, who was clearly having a “fan-boy” moment when he met Holyfield in the locker room prior to the game, offered to let the champ speak to the team. The boxing legend provided a rousing pregame pep talk and even agreed to participate in The Surge.

"“The Holyfield one is great. You can’t make that up. I just love the fact he was right into it. You get an icon like that who’s willing to step out of his comfort zone and do something fun, that’s what it’s all about. He’s in the entertainment business. He understands.”—RBA on SportsNet."

Television announcer John Forslund’s impromptu boxing announcing was spot-on, and Micheal Ferland and Justin Williams dragging the vanquished Jordan Martinook to the bench by his stakes added the icing on the cake.

On the next broadcast, TV analyst Tripp Tracey admitted he had watched the video of Holyfield v. Martinook at least a hundred times in his hotel room. The YouTube video posted by the NHL has been seen more than 75,000 times, and the version on Sportsnet had been viewed more than 68,000 times, making it the most viewed of all the post-game celebrations.

A memorable moment that brought smiles to thousands of Caniacs everywhere in a season full of them. And the good news is, the Canes have the chance to make even more.