By: Lauren Rhodes

Raleigh, N.C. – Before facing off on the ice, the Carolina Hurricanes and Nashville Predators stood together in the middle of the rink.

They observed a moment of silence at the red line and honored the people and first responders affected by Hurricane Helene.

This year’s Preseason Community Game had a different meaning for many members of the sellout crowd and even some players. Proceeds from the game raised nearly $300,000 for Hurricane Helene relief efforts.

The game was full of twists and turns, including a bloody battle between the Predator’s Michael McCarron and the Canes’ Charles-Alexis Legault. Nashville won 6-4 with a roster full of big hitters on the ice while the Canes tested the waters with fresh players.

Despite the loss, Canes coach Rod Brind’Amour said in a postgame press conference that the most important takeaway from the night was the money they were able to raise.

“I think just everyone coming together, anything can help,” he said. “What’s going on down there – it’s just fun. They’re dealing with real issues, so anything we can do to help is great.”

Hurricane Helene made landfall as a Category 4 last Thursday, causing flash flooding and heavy rain across North Carolina. Hundreds are still missing and entire communities in western North Carolina have been swept away by flooding and several feet of water.

At the time of publication, over 200 people have died from the hurricane’s destruction, making Helene one of the deadliest hurricanes in the last 50 years. Over a million people in the region are still without electricity and water.

In the locker room after the game, Canes forward Brendan Lemieux told members of the media that his mother was from Vilas, N.C., and that his grandparents were buried there. He said he couldn’t reach his parents, who were in the mountains because of the storms.

Not knowing the unknown, he said, is very scary.

He has since contacted his family, who are safe, although they still have no water or electricity. But he knows others haven’t been so lucky.

“We’re praying for them and hoping we can help raise money to do what we need to do – help people in need,” he said.

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“So many of us have friends, family and fond memories in Western NC and Upstate SC,” he said. “We are all starting to hear the stories of destruction of generational homes and damage that can only be described as apocalyptic and catastrophic. I’m glad we can start helping this week.”

All ticket proceeds from the game directly benefited relief efforts, as did donations accepted through parking, concessions and silent auction items available to fans in the rink and at home.

Hours before the game, Warf announced that he was “overwhelmed but not surprised” by the Caniacs’ support for the Hurricane Relief Game.

The Carolina Hurricanes will play again at the Lenovo Center tomorrow night at 7 p.m., welcoming the Tampa Bay Lighting to Raleigh for their final preseason game of 2024.