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Carolina Hurricanes: Justin Williams Among the Best Hurricanes of All-Time

By Joshua Ryan

RALEIGH, NC - DECEMBER 31: Justin Williams #14 of the Carolina Hurricanes watches action on the ice during his 1200th NHL game against the Philadelphia Flyers on December 31, 2018 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NC - DECEMBER 31: Justin Williams #14 of the Carolina Hurricanes watches action on the ice during his 1200th NHL game against the Philadelphia Flyers on December 31, 2018 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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Carolina Hurricanes’ Justin Williams (11) was congratulated by teammates Rod Brind’Amour (17), Joni Pitkanen (25), Ray Whitney (13) and Joe Corvo (77) after he scored during first period action against the Florida Panthers at the RBC Center in Raleigh, North Carolina, on Thursday December 18, 2008. (Photo by Chris Seward/Raleigh News & Observer/MCT via Getty Images)
Carolina Hurricanes’ Justin Williams (11) was congratulated by teammates Rod Brind’Amour (17), Joni Pitkanen (25), Ray Whitney (13) and Joe Corvo (77) after he scored during first period action against the Florida Panthers at the RBC Center in Raleigh, North Carolina, on Thursday December 18, 2008. (Photo by Chris Seward/Raleigh News & Observer/MCT via Getty Images) /

The Hurricanes Four Horsemen

There aren’t many people who would deny the top two players of all time; Ron Francis and Rod Brind’Amour. Francis has all the individual credentials a player could want; statistical accomplishments and success as a captain. Brind’ Amour stands as the only Hurricane captain to every lift the cup, and was a dominant two-way force in his time as number 17

Outside of those two players, most would agree that Eric Staal deserves a place among Hurricane greats. The all-time leader in career points for a Hurricane and the longest tenured captain in Carolina history. These three players have more or less cemented their legacy, and it is difficult to find someone who is more qualified for the number four spot then Justin Williams.

Williams contributions in Carolina speaks for itself. He is top 10 in points scored by a Hurricane despite only being in Carolina for 7 seasons, is top 5 in playoff points, and was a prominent player during the 2006 Cup run. This is all without considering what he has done in his year as captain.

He will forever be linked with the end of the 10-year playoff drought and has been the face of a memorable Carolina playoff run; leading the Canes to the eastern Conference Finals as a Wildcard team. Williams wasn’t simply a veteran captaining through experience either, He was a prominent performer, often being counted on to produce late in important games in his age 37 season.

If we were to create a Hurricanes Four Horseman, there is little doubt that Francis, Brind’Amour, Staal, and Williams would constitute those positions. The creator of the Storm Surge has proven loyal to this fanbase and has produced beyond expectation in his return home.

Whether it’s the goatee-wearing number 11, or the grey bearded number 14, Williams has always come through for us Caniacs. He has defined what it means to be a Hurricane, and he deserves to be recognized among some of the greatest leaders, and players, in Carolina history.

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Question for Cardiac Cane: Should Justin Williams’ number be retired when he does? And should it be his 11 or 14?

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