Carolina Hurricanes: 5 home games you must attend in 2019-2020

Pride Night, February 28th, 2020 vs Colorado Avalanche

I always find joy in Pride Night. It puts an exclamation point on my favorite month of hockey. Not only is it the month with the trade deadline on February 24th, but more importantly it is “Hockey is for Everyone” highlight month. I say “highlight” because hockey is ALWAYS for everyone.

Pride Night helps show that as players proudly display pride tape on their sticks and the fans adorn pride tape on their jerseys and storm flags. This year they will take it even further as reports say that players from across the league plan on attending pride parades all across North America.

I love that the Colorado Avalanche are the opponents for this game. Not only is this the only chance for you to come watch amazing players like Mikko Rantanen or Nathan MacKinnon, but also a chance to celebrate Pride Night with on of the only teams from last season that actually called it “Pride Night” over “Hockey is for Everyone” night.

Its one of those few nights that aren’t made special by anything other than what it means to the fans. There are no parading men and women in uniform, special chorus, special jersey, or giveaways. What makes this night special is that it is supporting everyone who is a part of or has been influenced by the LGBTQ community.

It doesn’t hurt that it is one of the 15 nights that the Carolina Hurricanes will rock their incredible third jerseys. But that is only the black cherry on top of a rainbow frosted cake of hockey is for everyone goodness.

Whalers Night, January 11th, 2020 vs LA Kings

The Whale will be back. Last season marked the first time since 1997 that the whale tail of a logo of the Hartford Whalers made an appearance in the NHL. Unlike last season where the Carolina Hurricanes donned the throwbacks for two games, one in PNC and one in Boston, both against the Bruins, this season will only feature the green uniform once.

Also unlike last season the opponent will not be the long time arch-nemesis of the Hartford Whalers, the Boston Bruins. Instead it will be a team that still to this day sits in the opposing conference in the NHL. While this won’t have the same gravitas as last season, it is still a game to go to. Especially if you missed the game last year.

While the LA Kings are still a work in progress, rebuilding a rapidly aging roster, they are still a fun team to come watch. Anze Kopitair and Drew Doughty are still legitimate NHL threats and all-star players that are worth the ticket of admission to come see match up against the Carolina Hurricanes.

The real treat of this game will be how far the team will go to make it an authentic Hartford Whalers experience. Last season they went as far as draping green logos around the arena and introduced Pucky the Whale as a physical mascot for the first time in franchise history.

This year, I would expect them to take the experience a step further. especially with the new scoreboard and upgraded 3D projector system. To miss the one time a year the PNC parties like its 1996 would be a pretty square thing to do.

First Third Jersey Night, October 11th, 2019 vs New York Islanders

The last time the New York Islanders came into PNC Arena they were forced to bow out of the Stanley Cup Playoff race and the Third Jersey wearing Carolina Hurricanes moved on to the Eastern Conference Finals. This game opens up the first back to back home games for the Carolina Hurricanes. Its also the third Home game of the season.

But what makes this game a MUST go game of the season is the fact that it is the first Third Jersey night of the season. I mentioned earlier that they will only don the black unis for 15 games this season including Pride Night among other special nights. But this is the first time since the Carolina Hurricanes bowed out of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

This game is more than just about the third jersey. Its a celebration of the playoff run that the team finally achieved after almost a decade of disappointment. Its a celebration of the uniform that took them there. The uniform that rode them through seven games with the Washington Capitals. The uniform that helped them sweep the very team that will be on the ice.

The Islanders are still a great matchup regardless. They took to the offseason to fix their flaws to try and improve their playoff run this season not much unlike the Carolina Hurricanes. It doesn’t hurt that some of their players like Mathew Barzal are also a treat to watch on the ice. Will they play spoiler and get some revenge? Or will History repeat itself?

White Out Night, October 12th, 2019 vs Columbus Blue Jackets

For the third straight year, the Carolina Hurricanes are putting a new jersey on the ice. Since the 16-17 NHL season the team has adorned EIGHT different uniforms. That is the most by any team not playing in any outdoor games in that time span.

Now, granted, the switch to Adidas from Reebok has dictated that the team leave behind their three old uniforms and adopt the new home and away Jerseys for the 17-18 Season. And naturally that meant a new third jersey. The Whalers throwbacks mentioned earlier was also a welcomed addition to the collection.

But on October 12th, the second night of the first back to back home games for the Carolina Hurricanes, the team will don their brand new away jerseys at home. This will mark the first time that the team will do so in their history. This also means that the Canes will wear different uniforms on a back to back and one of them not be their home reds.

The new uniform features their nickname “Canes” diagonally across the jersey. While many fans are torn on if it is a good look, you have to admit it is unique. The blacked out 3D logos on the helmet are also a nice touch.

This is one of the few times that the opponent isn’t much of a factor to the excitement of the game. The Columbus Blue Jackets have been down on their luck after going all in on the playoffs last year only to lose out to the Bruins in the second round after sweeping the President’s Cup winners in round one. They have a lot of rebuilding to do.

Every Fan in attendance will receive a white T-shirt that looks similar to the new jerseys. If you go this game and do not have a white Jersey, either purchase one, or plan to wear the T-shirt. The Carolina Hurricanes are looking for a full blown White Out of the arena. And it will be spectacular. Now before the Winnipeg fans come in here complaining, just know that no one cares if we stole this idea.

This game also marks the first time that an NHL team has four separate distinct logos on their uniforms, all making appearances at home. Make sure to not miss any of them in person. This is the only time this season that the Carolina Hurricanes will feature this jersey at home, it would be an absolute shame to skip out on this game.

Opening Night, October 3rd, 2019 vs Montreal Canadiens

Opening. Night. I shouldn’t have to say more, but I will. This game is huge. If you miss this game, you better have an epic reason. I completely expect this game to be sold out. Every Single seat filled with red, black, and white as the Carolina Hurricanes kick off their season against a new arch-nemesis in the form of the Montreal Canadiens.

This is the battle for Sebastian Aho. While yes, Aho is currently signed with the Carolina Hurricanes for the next five years, there was a moment in time, however brief, that the Montreal Canadiens and their fanbase thought they may have stolen the future of the Hurricanes from Carolina.

While the team and their leadership now know that the offer sheet to Aho was absolutely meaningless, that Aho had signed it to make sure he was on a roster from day one of training and not drag this deep into the season like some other RFAs, the Montreal fanbase seems to think that there is still a chance.

Look to see Aho strike more than once in this game and solidify his presence as a Carolina Hurricane. It would make another epic chapter in this historic rivalry between the “Traditional” Montreal fanbase and the “non-traditional” Carolina one. Will Carolina start their season on the right foot with a win and stick it to the traditionalists?

If that story-line isn’t enough to get you into a seat, opening night will feature the first time the Carolina Hurricanes fully incorporate their brand new scoreboard and fully use their 3D projector as they introduce the roster to the fans. Add on the LED bracelets that will be given to all the fans as they light up PNC and it will be a show worth the cost of admission alone.

You will not want to miss this game Caniacs.

Honorable Mentions

These aren’t the only home games that you should look forward to. Just the top five or so. There are so many other great nights. Ideally you will be at PNC arena 41 times between Oct 2nd and April 4th. But if you are hovering between 6 and 41 games to go to here are some more nights that can help you make your choices.

Youth Hockey Night, October 6th vs Tampa Bay Lightning

This is the second home game of the season and it comes on the tail end of a back to back away and home. The Carolina Hurricanes will be coming back from a tilt in DC before facing the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Highlight of the game will be the youth of NC showing they have what it takes to play hockey professionally. Which is perfect considering what the youth of the Hurricanes did to Tampa last week.

Veterans Day Appreciation, Nov 11th vs Ottawa Senators

This is one of my favorite nights of the season. Say what you will politically, but the men and women who served our nation deserve appreciation. Usually this game comes with the 82nd Airborne Division Chorus as well as a full display of respect given to the veterans of the conflicts of our nation.

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Hockey Fights Cancer Night, Nov 23rd vs Florida Panthers

Another third jersey night. But that wont be the only jerseys to grace the ice that night. Hockey Fights Cancer night also holds a dear spot in my heart. Cancer has effected many in my life and continues to effect many fans and their friends and family.

The Carolina Hurricanes will help in raising funds for local children’s hospitals, cancer research institutions and cancer awareness and support groups while rocking special pink jerseys during pregame warm ups. Wouldn’t hurt to see Officer Bobrovsky in a new jersey either.

Star Wars Night, Dec 7th vs Minnesota Wild

Play the imperial march before any other Christmas tunes because the world of Star Wars will be invading PNC this night. Expect a new T-shirt and a night full of colorful characters and music from the space fantasy that continues to capture the world. All right in time before the drop of the last movie in the “skywalker” saga.

Military Appreciation Night, Jan 19th vs New York Islanders

Not to be confused with Veterans Appreciation, this is about appreciating all those who are currently serving in the military. Expect a bigger military show than veterans night with possible combat vehicles invading the grounds around PNC and special operations forces diving from the rafters. Its also another third Jersey night against the Islanders, who may never see the red at PNC ever again.

Mental Health Awareness Night, Jan 31st Vs Vegas Golden Knights

Okay, serious talk, this night is huge. Mental Health is huge. Its not talked about enough and so many people don’t get the help they need. This night is all about killing the stigmas around mental health and helping those who need the help get around them. Another Third Jersey night but that is no where near as important as the conversations that this night is supposed to enforce.

So many great games and theme nights to consider. The Carolina Hurricanes have yet to release their Homegrown schedule yet, and as anyone who loves to collect the posters will tell you, those are not ones you want to miss. Perhaps a few of those nights will fall into the games I’ve already mentioned? Time will tell.

Question for CC Readers: Which games are you most excited to go see this year?