South Raleigh News

RALEIGH, N.C. - Former Carolina Hurricanes players are returning to Raleigh for Eric Staal's jersey retirement and the annual Hurricanes Alumni Game. The game, presented by Coastal Credit Union, will be held against the NC State Icepack on Monday night at Lenovo Center.

The event provides an opportunity to reflect on memorable moments in the team's history involving some of the participating alumni.

One such moment is "The Miracle At Molson," during Carolina's first trip to the Stanley Cup Final in 2002. Trailing 2-1 in the series and 3-0 early in the third period against the Montreal Canadiens, Sean Hill, Bates Battaglia, and Erik Cole led a comeback. Niclas Wallin scored the overtime winner for Carolina, contributing to a 4-2 series victory. The team achieved seven overtime victories that year, tied for second most in a single playoff year in NHL history.

Another highlight recalls Brandon Sutter and Ray Whitney skating together again. They once combined for a notable goal against Zdeno Chara during Whitney's career with Carolina, where he played 372 games.

In addition, Mike Commodore scored one of just two shorthanded goals in his career during a game where he capitalized on an Erik Cole rebound.

The franchise's crowning achievement remains winning the Stanley Cup. Ten of Monday’s alumni game roster members were part of that championship team. Highlights from Game 7 against Edmonton include Aaron Ward scoring early and Cam Ward protecting a late lead.

These moments are cherished as former players reunite for this special occasion organized by the Carolina Hurricanes.