Every so often, it's important to remind everyone that there was a time when people didn't like that the Carolina Hurricanes had fun winning hockey games. The "Bunch of Jerks" era was one of the best eras to be a Hurricanes fan, and it all started because one respected man in the hockey community publicly voiced his disdain for the Storm Surge.
On October 7, 2018, following an 8-5 victory over the New York Rangers, the Hurricanes unveiled their debut Storm Surge. It began with a Skol Clap at center ice and culminated with the team jumping and crashing into the boards. Over time, the Surges became more elaborate, including props and special guests throughout the season.
Former Whalers General Manager Brian Burke was outspoken about his dislike of the Canes' celebrations. During an interview with Sportsnet in November 2018, Burke called the Storm Surge "pee-wee garbage" and said it doesn't belong in the NHL. While his criticism was noted, it was far from the most scathing review the team received for their post-game celebrations.
Sidebar: My 5 Favorite Storm Surges from 2018-19
5. The Canes go old school with Duck, Duck, Goose: Sometimes, it's important to remember the simpler times when we were children. In this perfect throwback, the team sat around center ice and played a rousing game, though the person chasing was at a significant disadvantage.
4. Brock McGinn drops the hammer: There's a simplicity to this celebration that I greatly appreciated from the team. Brock McGinn stood at center ice, surrounded by his teammates, and electrocuted them all when he plunged his stick into the center dot.
3. TVR takes it to the hole for 2: Deep in the heart of ACC country, it felt elementary for the Hurricanes to celebrate March Madness with a little pick-up game. I won't fault Trevor van Riemsdyk for not dribbling on the ice because he finished with authority at the rim.
2. Micheal Ferland and Justin Faulk play Duck Hunt: This Storm Surge transcended the normal theatrics, getting the editing department involved as they set the mood with the video game on the Jumbotron. We can't speak to how good a shot the players were, but it was funny, nonetheless.
1. Evander Holyfield knocks out Jordan Martinook: I'm not above a gratuitous guest spot during the Storm Surge. Having the four-time WBA Heavyweight champ hit the ice for a one-punch knockout was one of the most surreal moments of the season.
A revolution is born thanks to one man's ego
Don Cherry took it a step further when appearing on Hockey Night in Canada on February 16, 2019, with a thing or two to say about the Caniacs and the organization. After a 3-1 win over the Edmonton Oilers the night before, Warren Foegele hit a "home run" to ring in pitchers and catchers reporting to Spring Training with his Storm Surge. Cherry, unimpressed, didn't mince words.
"These guys, to me, are jerks...You never do anything like that. They're still not drawing. They're still a bunch of jerks, as far as I'm concerned"Don Cherry, on the Storm Surge (2/16/19)
Not even 24 hours after Cherry took aim at the Hurricanes, the organization responded with new merch. With this new shirt, the Carolina Hurricanes, both in the stands and on the ice, had a rallying cry to stand behind.
We’re a bunch of jerks and we have the shirts to prove it.
— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) February 17, 2019
Available later this week at The Eye. pic.twitter.com/TEefqETEau
Under this assumed identity, the Hurricanes stormed into the postseason as a Wild Card team, snapping their decade-long playoff-less streak. While the Storm Surge ended before the conclusion of the regular season, the "Bunch of Jerks" spirit refused to die. The team defeated the defending champion Washington Capitals in seven games before sweeping the Islanders in Round 2.
Clearly, Cherry didn't love seeing hockey thrive in Raleigh after the team made it to the Eastern Conference Finals, taking a direct shot at the fans with another Coach's Corner rant on May 4 by saying:
"These people that are there now, now that they're winning, front-running fans as far as I'm concerned"Don Cherry, on the Caniacs (5/4/19)
It's worth noting that the Hurricanes set a PNC Arena record the night before, with 19,495 attending the series-clinching game against the Islanders. It's no secret that fans weren't packing the barn in the years leading into this season. It took some time, but the Hurricanes have become one of the best draws in the league, finishing near the top in attendance over the last few seasons.
Cherry's words permeated through the fan base and continue to this day. His words on a different topic got him in trouble nine months after his original rant, getting sacked by the CBC in November 2019. Meanwhile, the Hurricanes' longevity has continued over the last seven years. We've seen this team reach new heights, though they haven't returned to the top of the mountain.
The Storm Surge lives, too, albeit in a different form. The flamboyance of the tradition has subsided in recent years. The Skol Clap remains, but the team singles out a player and swarms them after each home win. Criticism of the Storm Surge has also cooled over time, not that the Hurricanes care. The fabric of the organization changed with one man's bitterness, proving hockey should be fun.