History of Carolina Hurricanes in Timeline

The Carolina Hurricanes are an NHL ice hockey team based in Raleigh, North Carolina, competing in the Metropolitan Division of the Eastern Conference. Their home arena is the PNC Arena.

1938: Hurricanes Compared to Chicago Black Hawks

The Hurricanes failing to qualify for the playoffs after their championship season was compared to the 1938-39 Chicago Black Hawks.

November 1971: New England Whalers Established

In November 1971, the New England Whalers were established when the World Hockey Association (WHA) awarded a franchise to begin play in Boston, Massachusetts.

1971: Franchise Formation as New England Whalers

In 1971, the franchise was formed as the New England Whalers of the World Hockey Association (WHA).

1972: Rick Ley played for the Whalers

In 1972, Rick Ley started playing for the Whalers, where he wore jersey #2 until 1981.

1972: Eastern Division Win

In 1972, the New England Whalers won the Eastern Division in the WHA's first season.

1972: Franchise Record

The 2004-05 Hurricanes broke the previous franchise record of 94 points set by the 1972-73 Whalers.

1973: Avco World Trophy Championship

In the 1972–73 season, the New England Whalers became the inaugural Avco World Trophy Champions.

1974: Decision to move to Hartford

In 1974, the owners of the New England Whalers decided to move the team to Hartford, Connecticut, beginning with the 1974–75 season, due to increasing difficulty scheduling games at Boston Garden.

January 11, 1975: First Game at Hartford Civic Center Coliseum

On January 11, 1975, the New England Whalers played their first game in front of a sellout crowd at the Hartford Civic Center Coliseum.

1977: John McKenzie played for the Whalers

In 1977, John McKenzie started playing for the Whalers, where he wore jersey #19 until 1979.

1978: Avco World Trophy Final Appearance

In 1978, the New England Whalers competed for the World Trophy but lost to the Winnipeg Jets in a rematch of the 1973 Avco Cup Final.

1979: Chuck Kaiton becomes radio play-by-play announcer

In 1979, Chuck Kaiton became the radio play-by-play announcer for the team, a position he held until 2018, dating back to the team's time in Hartford.

1979: John McKenzie ends his time playing for the Whalers

In 1979, John McKenzie ended his time playing for the Whalers, where he wore jersey #19 since 1977.

1979: Admission to the NHL

In 1979, the Hartford Whalers, along with the Edmonton Oilers, Quebec Nordiques and Winnipeg Jets, were admitted to the NHL when the rival leagues merged.

1979: Joining the NHL as Hartford Whalers

In 1979, the franchise joined the NHL as part of the NHL–WHA merger and was renamed the Hartford Whalers.

1981: Rick Ley ends his time playing for the Whalers

In 1981, Rick Ley ended his time playing for the Whalers, where he wore jersey #2 since 1972.

1986: Playoff Series Win

In 1986, the Hartford Whalers won their only playoff series, defeating the Quebec Nordiques before losing to the Montreal Canadiens in the second round.

1986: Previous NHL Record

The 2004-05 Hurricanes broke the previous NHL record of 93 points set in 1986-87.

1987: Whalers win Adams Division title

In 1998-99 the Hurricanes won the newly formed Southeast Division, their second division title as an NHL team following the 1987 Adams Division title as the Whalers.

1992: Final Playoff Appearance as Whalers

In 1992, the Hartford Whalers made the playoffs for the final time, but were defeated in the first round by the Montreal Canadiens.

1992: Previous Playoff Appearance

In the 1998-99 season, the Hurricanes made their first playoff appearance since 1992.

1994: Jim Rutherford joins the Whalers

In 1994, Jim Rutherford joined the Hartford Whalers as general manager, beginning his twelfth year with the franchise, before eventually winning the Stanley Cup.

1994: Karmanos Purchases Team

In 1994, Peter Karmanos purchased the Hartford Whalers and assured that the Whalers would remain in Hartford at least through 1998.

1995: John Forslund becomes television play-by-play voice

In 1995, John Forslund started as the television play-by-play voice of the franchise.

1995: Hurricanes Compared to New Jersey Devils

The Hurricanes failing to defend its title was compared to the 1995-96 New Jersey Devils.

1996: Move Announced

In March 1997, Peter Karmanos announced the move of the Whalers after the 1996-97 season.

March 1997: Announcement of Team Move

In March 1997, owner Peter Karmanos announced that the Hartford Whalers would move elsewhere after the 1996–97 season due to the inability to negotiate a satisfactory arena deal in Hartford.

May 6, 1997: Announcement of Move to North Carolina

On May 6, 1997, Peter Karmanos announced that the Hartford Whalers would move to the Research Triangle area of North Carolina and the new Entertainment and Sports Arena (ESA) in Raleigh and would be renamed the Carolina Hurricanes.

1997: End of run at Hartford Civic Center

In 1997 the Hartford Whalers maintained its home there at the Hartford Civic Center through 1997.

1997: Relocation to North Carolina as the Hurricanes

In 1997, the team relocated to North Carolina, rebranding themselves as the Carolina Hurricanes.

1997: Whalers move to North Carolina and jersey retirements

In 1997, when the Whalers relocated to North Carolina, the team brought back previously retired jersey numbers #2, worn by Rick Ley, and #19, worn by John McKenzie, into circulation. The team retained Gordie Howe's #9 jersey, but did not publicly display it.

1998: Assurances Made

In 1994, Peter Karmanos assured that the Whalers would remain in Hartford at least through 1998.

1998: Hurricanes improve performance

In the 1998-99 season, the Hurricanes' performance improved, and they tallied their first winning season and playoff appearance since 1992.

1999: Move to Raleigh

In 1999, the Carolina Hurricanes moved to their newly completed arena in Raleigh.

2000: Introduction of the Storm Squad

In the 2000–01 season, the Carolina Hurricanes introduced the "Storm Squad", the first cheerleaders for professional ice hockey in North America.

2000: Wayne Gretzky's No. 99 Retired for all NHL Teams

Wayne Gretzky's No. 99 was retired for all NHL teams at the 2000 NHL All-Star Game.

2002: Playoff Run

Following the Hurricanes' run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2002, there was an increased interest in hockey and the team.

2002: Stanley Cup Final Appearance

In 2002, Carolina advanced to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time, where they lost to the Detroit Red Wings.

2003: Attendance Increase

Attendance for the Hurricanes increased from the 2003–04 season.

2003: Drafting Eric Staal

One of the positive outcomes of the Carolina Hurricanes losing years following their 2002 playoff run was the team's drafting of Eric Staal in 2003.

2004: Chuck Kaiton receives Foster Hewitt Memorial Award

In 2004, Chuck Kaiton, the team's longtime radio play-by-play announcer, was awarded the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award by the Hockey Hall of Fame.

2004: Payroll Reduction

The outcome of the 2004-05 NHL lockout led to the shrinking of the payroll to $26 million for the Hurricanes.

2005: Hurricanes Match Franchise Record

During the 2008-09 season, the Hurricanes matched a franchise record from the 2005-06 season with nine straight wins.

2006: Praise for RBC Center

In 2006, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation's Don Cherry lauded the RBC Center as "the loudest building in the NHL."

2006: Stanley Cup Victory

In 2006, the Carolina Hurricanes won the Stanley Cup over the Edmonton Oilers, marking the state of North Carolina's first major professional sports championship.

2006: Hurricanes Struggle After Championship

In 2006-07, the Hurricanes struggled due to losing players and injuries, finishing third in the Southeast and 11th overall, failing to qualify for the playoffs.

2006: Karmanos Admits Greensboro was a Mistake

In a 2006 interview, Peter Karmanos admitted that playing in Greensboro was "probably a mistake" for the Carolina Hurricanes.

2006: Hurricanes' 2006 Stanley Cup Victory

On May 9, 2012, the Hurricanes' 2006 Stanley Cup champions' game 7 victory was recognized as one of the NC Hall of Fame's "Great Moments" series.

2007: Hurricanes Miss Playoffs Again

In 2007-08, the Hurricanes missed the playoffs again, finishing second in the division and ninth overall in the conference.

2008: Peter Laviolette Fired

In early December 2008, Peter Laviolette was fired as coach and replaced by Paul Maurice.

2009: Hurricanes Acquire Jussi Jokinen and Erik Cole

In 2009, the Hurricanes acquired Jussi Jokinen from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for Wade Brookbank, Josef Melichar, and a draft pick. They also reacquired Erik Cole from the Edmonton Oilers.

2009: Hurricanes' 2009 Playoff Run

In the 2009 playoffs, Jussi Jokinen scored with 0.2 seconds left in Game 4 against the New Jersey Devils, and Eric Staal scored the game-winning goal in Game 7. The Hurricanes advanced to the conference finals but were swept by the Pittsburgh Penguins.

2009: Hurricanes Planned Transition

The 2010-11 season was widely expected to be a transitional year from the veteran-heavy, high-salary club that opened 2009–10.

2009: Attendance Decline

The attendance at PNC Arena had declined at a consistent rate since 2009.

2010: Hurricanes' Changes and Draft

In 2010, the Hurricanes experienced a 14-game losing streak, replaced captain Rod Brind'Amour with Eric Staal, and drafted Jeff Skinner. Rod Brind'Amour retired to take a coaching job with the club.

2010: Hurricanes Transition Year

The 2010–11 season was expected to be a transitional year for the Hurricanes, moving towards a younger, cheaper base.

December 2011: Hurricanes Fire Coach Paul Maurice

In December 2011, the Carolina Hurricanes fired coach Paul Maurice and hired Kirk Muller.

2011: Hurricanes' Stanley Cup Record

In 2011, the Hurricanes were recognized as the first NHL team to win the Stanley Cup despite losing at least nine playoff games that year.

2011: Raleigh Hosts NHL All-Star Game

In January 2011, Raleigh hosted the NHL All-Star Game, with Eric Staal and Jeff Skinner participating. Skinner won the Calder Memorial Trophy as rookie of the year. The Hurricanes finished ninth in the East, missing the playoffs.

February 20, 2012: Hurricanes sign Tim Gleason to Extension

On February 20, 2012, the Carolina Hurricanes signed Tim Gleason to a four-year, $16 million extension.

May 9, 2012: 2006 Hurricanes Victory Recognized

On May 9, 2012, the 2006 Stanley Cup champions Hurricanes' game 7 victory was recognized as one of the NC Hall of Fame's "Great Moments" series.

March 25, 2013: Hurricanes Sign Alexander Semin

On March 25, 2013, the Hurricanes signed Alexander Semin to a five-year deal, worth $35 million.

2013: Hurricanes Realigned

Before the 2013-14 season, the Hurricanes were realigned into the new Metropolitan Division.

April 28, 2014: Ron Francis Appointed General Manager

On April 28, 2014, Ron Francis was announced as the replacement for Jim Rutherford as general manager.

June 19, 2014: Bill Peters Named Head Coach

On June 19, 2014, Bill Peters was named head coach of the Carolina Hurricanes, becoming the fifth head coach in franchise history.

2014: Low Attendance

In 2014, the Hurricanes finished second-to-last in average league attendance.

2014: Hurricanes' Stanley Cup Record

In 2014, the Hurricanes were recognized as one of the NHL teams to win the Stanley Cup despite losing at least nine playoff games that year.

2015: Hurricanes Finish Last in Division

During the 2014–15 season, the Hurricanes finished last in the Metropolitan Division and missed the playoffs for the sixth consecutive season.

2015: Relocation Rumors

In 2015, rumors circulated that the Hurricanes might move to Las Vegas or Quebec City due to low attendance.

2016: Hurricanes Finish Sixth in Division

After trading Eric Staal, the Carolina Hurricanes finished sixth in the Metropolitan Division during the 2015–16 season.

July 13, 2017: Chuck Greenberg's Intent to Buy the Team

On July 13, 2017, Chuck Greenberg sent Karmanos a letter of intent to buy the Carolina Hurricanes for $500 million, but ultimately backed out of the deal.

December 7, 2017: Thomas Dundon Agrees to Purchase the Hurricanes

On December 7, 2017, Thomas Dundon signed an agreement to purchase the Hurricanes, ensuring that the team would not be relocated.

2017: Hurricanes' Stanley Cup Record

In 2017, the Hurricanes were recognized as one of the NHL teams to win the Stanley Cup despite losing at least nine playoff games that year.

January 11, 2018: Thomas Dundon Finalizes Purchase of Hurricanes

On January 11, 2018, Thomas Dundon finalized his purchase of the Carolina Hurricanes, becoming the majority owner with a 61 percent stake.

March 8, 2018: Ron Francis Moved to President of Hockey Operations

On March 8, 2018, the Hurricanes announced that general manager Ron Francis had been moved to the role of president of hockey operations, though it was seen as a nominal promotion.

April 20, 2018: Bill Peters Resigns as Head Coach

On April 20, 2018, Bill Peters resigned from his position as head coach of the Hurricanes to pursue a similar opportunity with the Calgary Flames.

April 30, 2018: Ron Francis Fired

On April 30, 2018, the Hurricanes officially fired Ron Francis from the organization, leaving vacancies in both the head coach and general manager positions.

May 8, 2018: Don Waddell Hired as Team President and General Manager

On May 8, 2018, the Hurricanes announced the hiring of Don Waddell, former Atlanta Thrashers general manager, as team president and general manager. Waddell had been serving as the team's interim general manager since the promotion of Francis.

2018: Chuck Kaiton leaves as radio play-by-play announcer

In 2018, Chuck Kaiton ended his run as the team's radio play-by-play announcer, a position he had held since 1979. Starting with the 2018–19 season, the Hurricanes began simulcasting audio from television broadcasts on a network of stations.

2018: Chuck Kaiton Leaves Franchise

In 2018, broadcaster Chuck Kaiton left the Carolina Hurricanes franchise.

2018: Hurricanes Wear "Heritage" Uniforms From Hartford Years

In 2018, the Hurricanes began wearing green "Heritage" uniforms from the team's Hartford years. In its first season, the throwbacks were used twice, both against the Boston Bruins.

2018: New Black Alternate Uniform Unveiled

In 2018, the Hurricanes unveiled a new black alternate uniform, featuring an updated flag logo corrected to a hurricane warning flag. This flag logo also became the new additional logo. On the dark grey shoulder yoke, the primary logo was placed on the right while the Flag of North Carolina was added to the left.

April 4, 2019: Hurricanes Clinch Playoff Spot

On April 4, 2019, the Hurricanes won 3–1 over the New Jersey Devils, clinching a playoff spot for the first time since 2009 and only the second time since their Cup win.

2019: Hurricanes Wear Whalers "Heritage" Uniforms Against Los Angeles Kings

For the 2019-20 season, the Hurricanes wore the Whalers "Heritage" uniform once at home against the Los Angeles Kings.

2019: New White Uniform Released

In 2019, a new white uniform was released, replacing the one worn since 2013. This new uniform featured the "CANES" nickname written diagonally in front with the flag logo returning on the shoulders.

2019: Hurricanes' Stanley Cup Record

In 2019, the Hurricanes were recognized as one of the NHL teams to win the Stanley Cup despite losing at least nine playoff games that year.

February 22, 2020: David Ayres Wins Game as Emergency Goaltender

On February 22, 2020, Hurricanes emergency goaltender David Ayres became the first emergency goaltender in NHL history to win a game, a 6–3 win against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

August 3, 2020: Andrei Svechnikov Scores Hat Trick in Postseason

On August 3, 2020, Andrei Svechnikov became the first Hurricanes/Whalers player to score a hat trick in the postseason in a 4–1 win over the New York Rangers.

2020: Hurricanes Wear "Reverse Retro" Uniform

For the 2020–21 season, the Hurricanes would wear a "Reverse Retro" uniform, using the template of the 1980s Whalers uniforms but with a grey base - grey being the only color used by both teams - as a nod to the 1992–1997 uniforms.

2020: John Forslund leaves before Stanley Cup playoffs

In 2020, John Forslund, the play-by-play voice of the franchise since 1995, left prior to the Stanley Cup playoffs.

June 30, 2021: Tom Dundon Purchases Remaining Minority Shares in the Team

On June 30, 2021, it was announced that Tom Dundon had purchased all remaining minority shares in the Carolina Hurricanes team.

2021: John Forslund Leaves Franchise

In 2021, broadcaster John Forslund left the Carolina Hurricanes franchise.

2021: Hurricanes Wear Whalers "Heritage" Uniforms Against New Jersey Devils

In the 2021–22 season, the Hurricanes wore the Whalers "Heritage" uniform once against the New Jersey Devils.

April 5, 2022: Hurricanes Wear Alternate Black Pants with White Road Uniforms

On April 5, 2022, the Hurricanes wore their alternate black pants with the white road uniforms for the first time in a game against the Buffalo Sabres.

August 2022: Hurricanes Promote Black Uniform to Full Time Home Uniform

In August 2022, the Hurricanes officially promoted their black uniform to their full time home uniform. They also brought back the original 1997–2007 red uniform as an alternate in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the franchise in Carolina.

December 23, 2022: Hurricanes Pair Alternate Black Helmets and Pants with Red Home Uniform

On December 23, 2022, against the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Hurricanes paired their alternate black helmets and pants with the primary red home uniform.

2022: Hurricanes Wear Whalers "Heritage" Uniforms Against Boston Bruins

In 2022–23, the Hurricanes wore the Whalers "Heritage" uniform against the Boston Bruins. During home games with the Whalers uniforms, the Brass Bonanza theme would be played after the horn.

2023: Hurricanes Wear Special Uniforms for Stadium Series

For the Hurricanes' appearances at the 2023 Stadium Series, they wore black uniforms with red accents, but without any white elements. The uniform features the primary logo in front and enlarged numbers.

2023: Hurricanes Resurrect White Version of Whalers Uniform

In the 2023–24 season, the Hurricanes resurrected the white version of the Whalers uniform, wearing them against the Devils. They also wore Cooperalls during warmups as a tribute.

2024: Only major championship

As of 2024, the 2006 Stanley Cup win remains North Carolina's only major professional sports championship.

October 4, 2025: Content Update

Content was updated on October 4, 2025.

2025: Only Major Sports Team

As of 2025, the Carolina Hurricanes remain the only major sports team to play in Raleigh, North Carolina.

2025: Hurricanes Update Road White Uniform

In 2025, the Hurricanes updated their road white uniform, replacing the "CANES" diagonal wordmark with a recolored version of the Hurricanes logo minus the white elements.