RALEIGH, North Carolina – When the Carolina Hurricanes play their first outdoor game on Saturday, it will be a new experience for more than half of the players.
Eleven of the 20 skaters who will be in uniform for the 2023 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series game against the Washington Capitals (8 p.m. ET; TVAS2, SN360, ABC, ESPN+) at Carter-Finley Stadium, a stadium college football, have never had such an experience before.
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“I haven’t really spoken to anyone about the experience,” the defender said. Jalen Chatfield after Carolina practice at the stadium on Friday. “I know that a few players have already participated. But having seen them in the past, I know it’s a lot of fun, and you don’t know how many such opportunities you’ll get. It could be just one or a few. We must take advantage of this moment. »
Chatfield said he’s never played outside before, not even on a frozen pond, which made him even more impatient when downpours delayed Hurricanes training.
“I was ready to go. […] Then they pushed back the practice, so we were there waiting for the green light with our equipment, he added. When we finally got out, everyone was feverish, especially with the wait. »
the attacker Jordan Martinook usually arrives early before practice and Friday was no exception.
“I usually arrive an hour and a quarter before a practice, but I was here two hours and 20 minutes before the session because I wanted to see everything and get a taste of what we were going to experience,” said Martinook.
“You have to immerse yourself in the event. It will be big and fun, but in the end, it’s just a hockey game and you prepare the same way. The rink is the same size, and there is certainly the temperature that comes into play, but that’s what makes us feverish. »
Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour will also make his first appearance in an outdoor game. He retired as a player in 2010, and at the time, the NHL had hosted just four regular season games.
“Let’s be honest, an event like this doesn’t happen often, so you have to take advantage of it,” Brind’Amour said. […] You enjoy every moment with the families on the ice. […] It’s one of those games where I want the guys to take full advantage of it. […] Because it doesn’t happen very often, and the routine sets in quickly in the NHL, but this game allows us to get out of the routine. It’s something different, so we have to take advantage of it. »
Nine active Carolina players have played outside before, including Derek Stepan (three times with the New York Rangers) and Captain Jordan Steel (twice). The latter took part in the first edition of the Winter Classic with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2008.
“No one asked me about it, but I would definitely tell them to live it to the fullest,” Staal said. Except that there is still a game to play. […] You always want to put on a good show for your fans, and a lot of people are going to want to go home with a smile on their face. »
Martinook expects the Hurricanes fans who usually fill the PNC Arena to be heard at Carter-Finley Stadium, where more than 57,000 people will be gathered for the game.
“Some players who have been in those games have said the sound travels a bit more, and that’s what I expect,” he said. I know our supporters, and it will be loud. I know what they have in store for us, and yes, the fact that the stands are very close to the rink will help. »
Chatfield loved the practice and said having already attended a North Carolina State University football game here has prepared him for what he’s in for on Saturday.
“There were so many fans,” he recalled. When the marching band started playing after practice, we were fired up. […] We should have a good time. »