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With Justin Robidas Signing, Is Plano, Texas The New Finland?

By Chris Baker

BOISBRIAND, QC - NOVEMBER 24: Justin Robidas #19 of the Val-d'Or Foreurs skates the puck against the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada during the third period at Centre d'Excellence Sports Rousseau on November 24, 2019 in Boisbriand, Canada. The Blainville-Boisbriand Armada defeated the Val-d"u2019Or Foreurs 7-3. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
BOISBRIAND, QC - NOVEMBER 24: Justin Robidas #19 of the Val-d'Or Foreurs skates the puck against the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada during the third period at Centre d'Excellence Sports Rousseau on November 24, 2019 in Boisbriand, Canada. The Blainville-Boisbriand Armada defeated the Val-d"u2019Or Foreurs 7-3. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) /
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Listen, you can say “Finns Get Wins” all you want. I do. But I am starting to turn my attention to the hockey powerhouse that is Plano, Texas. Plano, Texas, population 285,494, could well be the newest hotbed of recruiting for the Carolina Hurricanes. Home to the likes of Ross Perot, and Zig Zigler, Plano has the highest single percentage Carolina Hurricanes after the signing of Justin Robidas.

Canes Media Maestro Walt Ruff reported Wednesday that the Hurricanes signed Robidas to a three year, entry level contract.

The 5’3, 173 lbs, 20 year old was drafted by the Canes in the 5th round back in 2021.

He is currently playing with the Quebec Remparts of the QMJHL. The Remparts are playing in the Memorial Cup where Robidas has 3 assists.

In 36 regular season games with the Rempart, Robidas has 11 goals and 25 assists. Also this season, Robidas has 27 games with the Val-d’Or Foreurs. He found the net 14 times there, and helped with 28 more.

Robidas spent last year with the Foreurs where he was slightly better than a point a night for 68 games.

But what about Plano?

Why is it now the focus of so much attention?

You might recall one Stefan Noesen is in fact from Plano, Texas. He too, again as you might recall, plays for the Carolina Hurricanes and just finished arguably his best NHL season.

Noesen finished the regular season with NHL career highs in goals (13) and assists (23), plus the extra four of each he tacked on in the playoffs.

Shall anyone forget, he also showed former Cane Erik Haula how things are done in Texas.

With Justin Robidas joining the Hurricanes, Plano has to be the single most represented town on the roster. At least the most represented American town.

I am excited to see what Robidas brings to the Hurricanes.

Though where that will be remains unseen as the Chicago Wolves have cut affiliation. No clear plan for where the Canes will land their AHL flag next year. We can all hope it is Greensboro. Fayetteville would be acceptable too!

Still I think Robidas brings some serious offensive power to the organization and will be an impact for sure.

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