The Carolina Hurricanes are a professional ice hockey team based in Raleigh, North Carolina. The team was originally founded in 1972 as the New England Whalers and played in the World Hockey Association. In 1979, they joined the National Hockey League and became the Hartford Whalers.

In 1997, the franchise relocated to North Carolina and became the Carolina Hurricanes. At first, the team played its home games in Greensboro while its new arena was being built in Raleigh. In 1999, they moved into the new arena, which later became known as PNC Arena.

The Hurricanes achieved their greatest success in 2006 when they won the Stanley Cup, defeating the Edmonton Oilers in a dramatic seven-game series. It was the first major professional sports championship for a team from North Carolina.

Over the years, the Hurricanes have had several playoff runs and have developed a passionate fan base. Known for their storm surge celebrations and fast-paced style, the team continues to be a strong competitor in the NHLs Eastern Conference.

Throughout their history in Carolina, the Hurricanes have experienced both highs and lows, but the team has consistently shown resilience and the ability to rebuild. The early 2000s were a period of growth, with the team reaching the Stanley Cup Final in 2002 before falling to the Detroit Red Wings. That appearance marked a turning point for the franchise, establishing it as a serious contender. After their 2006 championship, the team went through a challenging period with several seasons missing the playoffs, but they remained committed to developing young talent and building a strong organizational culture. In recent years, under the leadership of a new management team and head coach, the Hurricanes have returned to playoff contention, earning respect for their aggressive forechecking, solid defense, and energetic style of play. Their fan engagement initiatives, such as the now-famous storm surge celebrations, have helped revitalize local interest and made them one of the most talked-about teams in the league.