Storm Debris: Homegrown Hockey Edition

I’ll put this right out here, I'm unabashedly North Carolinian. Born and raised here with deep family roots, and though I married a [damn] Yankee, and despite a few historical, political or weather-related disasters, my home state is something in which I take a great deal of pride (probably what makes me so touchy when hearing professional hockey doesn't belong in my back yard).

So was with great expectations that I attended the Hurricanes Homegrown Series media event Wednesday at PNC Arena. And it did not disappoint. Brisket with Cheerwine BBQ sauce? Country ham biscuits with Foothills Beer cheese sauce? Bacon cheeseburgers wedged between glazed doughnuts? Craft beers, local bands, and limited edition artwork and t-shirts? Yes please, to all.

As explained by Doug Warf, Vice President of Marketing, the Homegrown Series isn't about the Hurricanes, it's about providing a venue to spotlight talented local artists and vendors that connect with the Canes community. Fans have seen the seeds of this effort sprout over the last few seasons, starting with local beer vendors and followed by a few live intermission performances to test the waters. This year is all about putting down roots with a formal program that is intended to grow in the seasons to come.

Eight games have been designated for this season's Homegrown Series (find schedule and more details here). Here's what to expect at each one:

• Music – A local band will play a five-minute set during each intermission.
• Art – Limited edition unique game posters will be available to the first 1,000 fans at a booth at Section 108.
• Clothing – Unique limited edition t-shirts (144 per game) will be available for $30 at The Eye on game day.
• Beer – A local beer partner will have flights of four, six-ounce beers) available for purchase.
• Food – PNC Arena chefs will showcase signature items specially created for that evening's game.

It's gonna be good. #PNCUThere.

Jamie Kellner

Now back to the reality of homegrown hockey and the Canes lovely 2-4-3 record.

• Rod Brind'Amour talks leadership, mental mistakes, developing familiarity with a newer group, and maintaining an even keel, with Adam and Joe [WRALSportsFan].
• Jeff Skinner is hot fire and Brian Lawton breaks down why (10 and 2 alert) [NHLNetwork].
• Speaking of Skinner, Friday night he scored a hat trick, then he didn't. What happened to all the hats? [SportsChannel8]
• This article is Insider only and about a week old, but well worth the read if you have (or can borrow) Insider access; Craig Custance on the Carolina effect, can an NHL team win without a superstar? Lots of quotes from Bill Peters about the philosophy behind building the team [ESPN].
• Well, Frk it, we hardly knew him. Why Marty Frk's time in Carolina was doomed [Today's Slapshot]
• The Canes tough early schedule is taking its toll [N&O].
• Cam versus Eddie: A look back at the goalie stats and the case for starting one over the other [Section 328].
• Good quotes from Lee Stempniak and how he's fitting in with his new team in this Metro Division roundup [NHL.com]
• Well, this is an... interesting take. Could low attendance be part of the blame for the Canes poor performance on home ice against the Flyers on Sunday? [TriangleSportsNet]

Last week we brought you the news that Peter Karmanos was victorious in a court decision to uphold a $16.5m arbitration award from a legal battle with Compuware. Now it appears that another legal battle may be over as well. Luke DeCock reports that the lawsuit from Karmanos' sons has been settled in mediation and will not go to trial [twitter].

Finally, click at your own risk because they’re so, so spooky... how some of your favorite Carolina Hurricanes players celebrated Halloween:

• Ryan Murphy and Justin Faulk [Instagram]
• Brett Pesce, Phil Di Giuseppe, and Noah Hanifin [Instagram]
• Eddie Lack [twitter]
• [Edited to add] Joakim Nordstrom [twitter]
• [Edited to add] Jaccob Slavin [Instagram]