Rod Brind'Amour Honored with North Carolina's Highest Civilian Award
In a significant tribute to a distinguished career, Coach Rod Brind'Amour of the Carolina Hurricanes was presented with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, North Carolina’s most prestigious civilian honor. This accolade came from the hands of Governor Roy Cooper, a gesture recognizing Brind'Amour's remarkable contributions to the state, both on and off the ice. The ceremony coincided with the Hurricanes’ emphatic 4-1 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets, marking yet another high point in what has been a remarkable journey for the team under Brind'Amour’s leadership.
Since taking helm as head coach, now in his seventh season, Brind'Amour has been the cornerstone of the Hurricanes' resurgence in the NHL. His tenure as a player with the franchise spanned a decade, with the pinnacle being when he captained the team to their first Stanley Cup victory in 2006. Reflecting on this achievement, Governor Cooper spoke to the Hurricanes' players, accentuating Brind'Amour's selflessness and team spirit. “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 shared. This sentiment captures the essence of Brind'Amour’s leadership style, emphasizing collective success over personal accolades.
Brind'Amour’s influence extends beyond his coaching duties. “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,” Governor Cooper elaborated. Indeed, Brind'Amour's involvement in youth hockey and his commitment to growing the sport has been instrumental in fostering talent and passion for hockey in the state.
As Cooper nears the end of his second term, a tenure bound by term limits, he continues to honor North Carolina's exemplary figures. Prior to recognizing Brind'Amour, the Governor bestowed this honor upon legendary Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski, and he intends to soon acknowledge former University of North Carolina coach Roy Williams. Cooper, a longtime supporter of the Hurricanes, even had the privilege of announcing the starting lineup before the game, further solidifying his deep-rooted connection with the team.
The acknowledgment of Brind'Amour comes at a poignant time for both him and the franchise. As Brind'Amour humbly pointed out, “It's not about me. We've got such a good group. I was a part of a group of great people all along.” His words underline his dedication to the team and his belief in the collective effort that has driven the Hurricanes' success. This community spirit has nurtured a robust culture of winning that Brind'Amour has been cultivating since his tenure as a player, and now as a coach.
Amidst the accolades and victory, Governor Cooper delivered a resonant message to Brind'Amour with a mix of admiration and anticipation: “Coach, it's time to get that Stanley Cup this time.” It’s a sentiment that resonates deeply with all Hurricanes supporters, who are eager to see the team replicate and build upon their past glories under Brind'Amour's stewardship. The Hurricanes' recent performance, coupled with the camaraderie and leadership that Brind'Amour inspires, has kindled fresh optimism for what the future holds.
As the Hurricanes continue their season, buoyed by this recognition and their recent triumph on the ice, Rod Brind'Amour's legacy in North Carolina hockey continues to grow. His journey remains a testament to dedication, teamwork, and the lasting impact of sports on a community, underscored by the highest honors his adopted home has to offer. For Brind'Amour, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine is not merely an award; it's an embodiment of the spirit and unity he fosters within the Hurricanes and beyond.