The Hurricanes’ strength is on the blue line
Each member of the seven-player defensive group got their chance to shine during the Southeast Rookie Showcase. While the team’s two best defensive prospects didn’t participate, it allowed many others to impress. Domenick Fensore and Anttoni Honka were the standouts. Despite being listed at 5’7″, Fensore was in the middle of everything the Canes did in all three zones, occupying so much space for a player of his size. He quarterbacked the first power play unit, scoring the opening goal of the showcase for the team on Friday. Honka saw some time on the power play, and while he didn’t find the scoresheet during the showcase, he was solid with the puck and was excellent on the backend. Griffin Mendel scored the only other goal for the defense, a short-handed tally during Saturday’s win over Tampa Bay.