Eric Staal scores a goal on Detriot's Chris Osgood during the 2008 All-StarGame
Promises eventually do come true.
The Carolina Hurricanes and National Hockey League Commissioner Gary Bettman announced Thursday that the RBC Center will be the host site for the 2011 NHL All-Star Game. The announcement brings forth the realization of a promise by Bettman years ago that the ‘Canes would indeed host the annual event.
In 2004 the team hosted the NHL Entry Draft and drew a crowd that was said to be the largest opening-day audience in over a decade. The event sparked interest in the area and, combined with the recent success of the team, made North Carolina’scapital city an appealing choice to host the NHL’s finest players.
The Hurricanes appeared to be doomed to a lingering wait for eligibility to host an All-Star game, but with the financial struggles suffered by the Phoenix Coyotes organization and the possibility of relocation, a door opened for Raleigh to step in to.
The announcement came a mere hour into the Caniac Cookout, a lawn party for the Hurricanes fans at the RBC Center in honor of the last home game of the season, marking a very special day for the organization.
While the ‘Canes will not be participating in the Stanley Cup Playoffs this post-season, the realization of hockey on a national scale in Raleigh will no doubt put a grin on even some of the most disheartened fans.
