Brind'Amour Honored with North Carolina's Highest Civilian Award
In a heartwarming ceremony before the Carolina Hurricanes' recent 4-1 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets, Coach Rod Brind'Amour was bestowed with the coveted Order of the Long Leaf Pine, North Carolina’s highest civilian accolade. The honor was conferred by Governor Roy Cooper, a longstanding admirer of the Hurricanes, in acknowledgment of Brind'Amour's significant contributions to the state through his involvement in hockey.
A Culture of Winning
Rod Brind'Amour, who is currently in his seventh season as the head coach of the Carolina Hurricanes, has long been a staple of the franchise. A decade-spanning tenure as a player, capped by his leadership of the team to a Stanley Cup championship in 2006, has cemented his legacy in the sport. Governor Cooper emphasized Brind'Amour’s influence, stating, “What he has meant to North Carolina is extraordinary, both as a player, as a coach, as a parent, involvement in youth hockey. When you think about all of the jobs the Carolina Hurricanes have brought to North Carolina and their success... This guy has created a culture of winning.”
A Hero Acknowledged
Despite receiving such an esteemed honor, Brind'Amour remained characteristically humble, underlining his devotion to the team above personal accolades. “It's not about me. We've got such a good group. I was a part of a group of great people all along,” he remarked, redirecting the praise towards his team and colleagues.
This humility resonated with Governor Cooper, who shared an anecdote from the locker room after the game. “I went into the locker room after the game and told the players that this guy wouldn't want me to do what I was about to do because this guy is all about his players and all about team.” Cooper's recognition of Brind'Amour's team-first mentality further solidified the coach's reputation as a beloved leader.
Governor's Support and Legacy
Governor Roy Cooper, approaching the culmination of his second term due to term limits, has been an ardent supporter of the Hurricanes. His involvement with the team has been evident, as demonstrated by reading the starting lineup before the match. Governor Cooper is no stranger to conferring North Carolina’s prestigious honors, having previously bestowed the Order of the Long Leaf Pine upon basketball legends Mike Krzyzewski and soon-to-be Roy Williams.
At 67 years old, Cooper’s engagement with local sports highlights not only his dedication to the community but also a promise to recognize and celebrate those who positively impact the state's cultural fabric. His exhortation to Brind'Amour, expressing, “Coach, it's time to get that Stanley Cup this time,” serves as both a challenge and an endorsement of the team's potential under its exceptional leadership.
Celebrating a Legacy
The evening of triumph on the ice against the Columbus Blue Jackets was made even more memorable as it commemorated Brind'Amour’s steadfast contributions to North Carolina hockey. The victory not just symbolized sporting success but also reflected the community's collaborative spirit fostered by Brind'Amour.
As the Hurricanes continue in their season, Brind'Amour's accolade stands as a testament to his enduring influence both on and off the ice. With a dedicated team and a supportive fanbase, the quest for another Stanley Cup under his watchful eye remains both a tantalizing prospect and a collective ambition.