Former Governor Roy Cooper shows strong support for the Carolina Hurricanes ahead of the Eastern Conference Final
Image Via Twitter
As the
Carolina Hurricanes
prepare to take on the
Florida Panthers
in the crucial
Eastern Conference Final
, former
North Carolina
Governor
Roy Cooper
has yet again affirmed his favorite team. An ardent Hurricanes supporter for years, he shared a photo of himself from days long gone on social networks: sporting in hockey gear, a customized Hurricanes jersey, helmet, and hockey stick.
Any such gesture goes not so much for a millisecond's casual wink but instead tells an entire story regarding the feelings of connection, fervor Cooper has had with that team and sport.
Roy Cooper's genuine bond with the Carolina Hurricanes and coach Rod Brind'Amour
Roy Cooper has long supported the Carolina Hurricanes. However, his support goes beyond mere fan enthusiasm. Earlier in the season, he shared a picture of himself fully dressed in Hurricanes hockey gear, helmet on, with a hockey stick in hand and a custom-made jersey.
The less said about the team facing the Florida Panthers, the better. His comments about holding back against Brad Marchand, a player who is rather high profile and now on some other team, speak of Cooper's knowledge of the game and individual players, thus making the support all the more personal and playful.
Cooper has even honored the Hurricane leadership on a formal basis beyond a social media shout-out. In December, he bestowed upon Rod Brind'Amour, the Hurricanes' head coach, The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, North Carolina's highest civilian honor.
This gave due recognition of Brind'Amour's impact on the team and the pride that the state feels in its hockey franchise. That honor symbolized a strong bond tying the team, its fans, and North Carolina at large.
The Eastern Conference Final is one of the most crucial stages of the NHL Playoffs, and Cooper's public endorsement greatly helps in sustaining the excitement among Hurricanes fans throughout the state. Cooper's involvement also speaks to how hockey has come to be a major sport in North Carolina.
It is neither a game of ice nor one of sportsmanship; it is all for the communal spirit and pride that welds the fans with their team and consequently with their leaders.
As the Hurricanes get ready to face off against the Florida Panthers, fans feel upbeat knowing that Cooper remains an avid supporter. Even the governor himself has supported the team commitment, being so genuine that he has worn full gear to an event, and to recognize their achievements right here on the living example, is where one can see how deeply sports unite people, inspiring players and fans alike in this high-stakes contest.
Also Read: Philadelphia Flyers shock the NHL world by hiring Rick Tocchet as new head coach
Finally, the governor's personal and visible passion for the Carolina Hurricanes marks a sincere commitment on his part. His endorsement is a testament to the affinity the team shares with the countrymen of North Carolina at this steep and taxing playoff run.
Get
IPL 2025
match
schedules
,
squads
,
points table
, and live scores for
CSK
,
MI
,
RCB
,
KKR
,
SRH
,
LSG
,
DC
,
GT
,
PBKS
, and
RR
. Check the latest
IPL Orange Cap
and
Purple Cap
standings.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Panthers' Stanley Cup celebrations show no signs of slowing while looming offseason decisions stir up speculation
The Florida Panthers have spent the days following their second straight Stanley Cup win living like rockstars—and they're not apologizing for it. From dancing on tables to karaoke at a buzzing Miami nightclub, from a beach bar blowout to crowd surfing and even a Brad Marchand Dairy Queen cameo, the celebrations have been loud, wild, and well-earned. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 'We're not toning it down,' said veteran defenseman Aaron Ekblad. 'We just won two Stanley Cups in a row. We deserve to have a good time.' As Panthers celebrate again, pressure mounts on management to navigate vital offseason moves While last year's title run felt like a euphoric, dreamlike experience for the team, this season's journey was more grounded, more grueling—and therefore more satisfying. Panthers coach Paul Maurice captured the shift in tone, saying, 'Last year was more of a dream. … It was a dream come true. It was euphoric. This year, it was an achievement. It was hard.' Indeed, Maurice emphasized how close the team came to breaking under pressure at various points. Yet each time, they found a way to hold strong. The sense of accomplishment has added a new layer to their celebrations—more reflection, a little more calm, but no less joy. Maurice himself admitted his post-win festivities have been dialed back. 'I haven't had a hangover yet,' he joked, 'so way ahead of where I was last year.' Still, the players have been going all out. Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov believes the team feels more comfortable celebrating this year because they know what to expect. 'Now everyone knows how to sit back a little and enjoy it,' he said. 'Last year was so hectic.' The team's exuberance even left a mark on the Stanley Cup—literally. The bowl cracked at the base during the victory night chaos. But Barkov shrugged it off. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 'I think they've seen worse. … Don't be stupid. Don't take it to the ocean.' As the celebrations wrap up with a parade on Fort Lauderdale Beach, attention now turns to an offseason filled with tough decisions. NHL free agency begins July 1. While core stars like Barkov, Matthew Tkachuk, and Sam Reinhart are locked in, key figures like Sam Bennett, Ekblad, and Marchand await new deals. 'I've spent 11 years here,' said Ekblad. 'It's home, and I expect it to be home.' Tkachuk added, 'Hopefully the core of guys, we can continue building… It's time to cash in for some of those boys. Hopefully it's here.' Also Read:
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
"Classless": Georges Laraque erupts after Panthers fans disrespect Connor McDavid in wild Stanley Cup chant
Georges Laraque erupts after Panthers fans disrespect Connor McDavid in wild Stanley Cup chant (Image via Getty) The Florida Panthers won their first Stanley Cup. But fans did something that grabbed more attention than the win. Some started yelling 'F*** McDavid' during the celebration. This chant upset a former Oilers player, and his angry reply quickly went viral. Georges Laraque calls Panthers fans' chant 'Classless' On Friday, June 21, 2025, Georges Laraque, a former Edmonton Oilers player, saw a video online. It showed Florida Panthers fans chanting 'F*** McDavid' after the Stanley Cup win. With a 5–1 victory over the Oilers, the Panthers had won Game 6 on Tuesday, June 18. The win was achieved in Sunrise, Florida. It gave the Panthers their first title and a 4–2 series victory. Right after the game, videos of the chant spread online. Laraque shared one of the videos on X (formerly Twitter). He wrote just one word: 'Classless' He also added angry emojis. Georges Laraque was an Oiler from 1997 to 2006. He was famous for his members' protection. His article showed how much support he still had for Connor McDavid and the Oilers. Connor McDavid talks about his future after the loss After losing Game 6, Connor McDavid talked to reporters. The game was in Florida, and fans were still loud from the win. Connor McDavid is 28 years old. He has one year left on his contract. Reporters asked him about his future with the Oilers. Also Read: Connor McDavid Rumors Explode As Leon Draisaitl Speaks On Uncertain Edmonton Oilers Future He said, 'It's only been a couple days since the season ended. I'll take some time to regroup, talk to my agent and family… but there's no rush.' Even after the loss, Connor McDavid said he was proud of the team. 'There's unfinished business here,' he added. He still wants to help the Oilers win a championship. Connor McDavid did not say anything about the Panthers fans' chant. He stayed focused on hockey and his team. Follow all the live updates, scores, and highlights from the India vs England Test match here . Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Aaron Ekblad breaks silence on Panthers contract talks ahead of free agency
Aaron Ekblad breaks silence on Panthers contract talks ahead of free agency (Image via Getty) Aaron Ekblad finally addressed his future with the Florida Panthers, so supporters are keen to learn what comes next. Many are speculating whether the longest-serving defenseman on the team will remain or go as his present contract nears termination. Though his most recent remarks offer some hints, they also leave much unsaid. Aaron Ekblad says talks with Panthers are happening but nothing final yet On Saturday, June 22, 2025, Aaron Ekblad shared an important update about his contract during an interview with Jameson Olive for Ekblad said that conversations with the Florida Panthers have already taken place, but no deal has been signed yet. 'Conversations have been had,' Ekblad told Olive. 'Obviously, nothing material yet, but they'll be working on it. Things seem to come down to the last minute here.' After completing his eight-year, $60 million contract signed in 2016, twenty-nine-year-old Aaron Ekblad became an unrestricted free agent. He was the first choice overall for the Panthers in 2014 after having played his whole NHL career with them. Claiming without question that Florida is home after winning his second Stanley Cup this year with the club, he proclaimed. 'I've spent 11 years here,' he said. 'It's home, and I expect it to be home.' In the 2024–25 season, Ekblad had 33 points and a +11 rating. He continued to be a key defensive player. In the playoffs he averaged 24 minutes per game and scored 13 points in 19 games. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Adidas Three Shorts With 60% Discount, Limited Stock Available Original Adidas Shop Now Undo With more than 21 minutes of play in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final on Tuesday, June 17, he had one assist and two shot blocks. Aaron Ekblad talks about suspension and NHL insider gives contract insight Ekblad was banned 20 games in March 2025 for breaching NHL and NHLPA rules regarding performance-enhancing medicines. He subsequently apologized and said it was a mistake during recovery. 'I made a mistake by taking something to recover from recent injuries without first checking with proper medical and team personnel,' Ekblad told ESPN. 'I have accepted responsibility. I have learned a hard lesson.' Also Read: NHL Scouts Expose Serious Concerns About Aaron Ekblad Ahead Of Free Agency He missed the end of the regular season but returned for Game 3 in the first round of the playoffs. Meanwhile, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman shared in his June 22 '32 Thoughts' column that Florida is likely trying to keep Ekblad. 'They (Florida) are going to try,' Friedman wrote. 'You could see the Panthers giving term to keep down the AAV.' Ekblad's long history with Florida and his solid performance may help both sides agree soon. Follow all the live updates, scores, and highlights from the India vs England Test match here . Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
