Carolina Hurricanes win first Stanley Cup in 20 years

APTOPIX Stanley Cup Hurricanes Golden Knights Hockey Carolina Hurricanes left wing Nikolaj Ehlers (27) celebrates after scoring an empty-net goal during the third period in Game 6 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Final series against the Vegas Golden Knights, Sunday, June 14, 2026, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher) (John Locher/AP Photo/John Locher)

By Glenn Counts

CHARLOTTE — A Stanley Cup is coming to Raleigh.

The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Las Vegas Knights in a 3-0 shutout to take home the trophy.

While the final game was in Las Vegas Sunday night, there was plenty of excitement here in Charlotte.

Channel 9’s Glenn Counts spoke with fans in NoDa, who witnessed the victory 20 years in the making.

“This is a moment I’ve waited for for 20 years,” said Lindsay Haigler, a fan. “We play together as a team, we don’t rely on superstars. It’s fun to watch the brotherhood on the ice, how it all comes together to lead us to the final.”

Hurricanes center and captain Jordan Staal earned the Conn Smythe Trophy for most valuable player of the Stanley Cup Final.

He scored in each of the first five games in the series.

He was the first Hurricane to hoist the Stanley Cup Sunday night.

Governor Josh Stein was at T-Mobile Arena, cheering the Canes on from the stands.