Remembering "Donnie Mac"

Sad news tonight from 1400 Edwards Mill. Donnie MacMillian, universally known as "Donnie Mac" and the only building superintendent the RBC Center has even known, died suddenly tonight at the age of 52. Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford said in a statement that Donnie Mac's passing is "a very sad day for our organization. (...) Donnie will be missed by everyone whose life he touched, both personally and professionally."

Donnie Mac was responsible for what many considered one of the better ice surfaces in the NHL, offering his expertise in making ice to the website How Stuff Works and, during the 2002 season, earning a profile in Sports Illustrated. Donnie began his career with the Hurricanes organization four years before their move to North Carolina, first operating a Zamboni for the Whalers at the Hartford Civic Center in 1993. He was perhaps best known for his spartan accommodations of an RV in the parking lot of the RBC Center, where he lived during hockey season for twelve years.

Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date. Our condolences go out to the MacMillian family, and to the Hurricanes organization, who have lost a beloved team member tonight.