Behind the Scenes with the Carolina Hurricanes Ice Crew

Attending a hockey match, you might have noticed a team clad in black jackets, swiftly gliding onto the rink to manage the ice. This dedicated group, known as the Carolina Hurricanes ice crew, plays an essential yet often overlooked role, and they are marking a unforgettable season this year.

Comprising around 20 individuals, the ice crew is responsible for preparing the rink for game day, ensuring that players have an optimal surface to perform on. Robb Wade, a crew member, points out the exclusivity of their role: "The only people that get to go on the ice are the players, the officials, and the ice crew. So, we're in a pretty select group there."

The crew members arrive approximately three and a half hours before the game begins, diligently preparing the rink. During the matches, they clear excess ice and operate a resurfacing machine called the Olympia, frequently taking to the ice for maintenance during intermissions while players take a break.

Bill Alfano, a veteran member of the crew, emphasizes the proximity to the action their job affords them. "We get a little bit maybe closer to the action because we put the ice in, and pretty obvious if there's no ice, there's no game," he shared. Wade echoed the sentiment, stating that their straightforward mission is crucial: "Our job really is to provide the best possible playing surface that we can for the players, and the officials."

Alfano particularly recalls the heightened excitement during the Stanley Cup Final. "When the playoffs get here, it's just bonkers. I mean, it goes up exponentially," he remarked. He vividly remembers Game 2, feeling the intensity as the team faced pressure late in the third period. Wade, who was a fan during the Hurricanes' first Stanley Cup victory in 2006, expressed his amazement at being part of the crew this time around, saying, "It's just nice to see the whole thing come together."

With the season concluded, the celebrations persist as the team and its staff honor their championship achievement. Wade relishes his role, stating, "I'm just happy just to see it happen twice and be a little very tiny, minuscule part of it." Most ice crew members work part-time and return to their regular careers in the offseason, which range from military service to teaching at N.C. State, showcasing their diverse backgrounds and dedication to the sport.