"Sign Lady" Energizes Carolina Hurricanes Fans with Creative Support

Sue Bohnsack has become a beloved figure at Carolina Hurricanes home games, affectionately known among fans as the "Sign Lady." "It's just fun for me," Bohnsack expressed, highlighting her enthusiasm for the team's games.

Every home match sees Bohnsack and her husband in attendance, armed with a fresh white poster board featuring a unique design each time. While the visuals may vary, her unwavering message remains the same: a strong show of support for the Hurricanes. "They get me on camera during the warmups. And I always look for a little kid to come stand next to me, because then they get on the jumbotron, too, and it's just exciting to see a new sign," she shared.

At home, Bohnsack revealed the inspiration behind her signs, which she crafts with each upcoming opponent in mind. "I have to see who we're playing. And then I come up with the ideas. Now, sometimes it's just for our team, and sometimes it's against the other team," she noted. With creative help from her husband and a Cricut machine, she transforms her concepts into eye-catching posters. As the season unfolds, she is particularly excited about a sign she has prepared for an upcoming game against the Golden Knights. "Since we're playing Las Vegas, I decided to go with a slot machine. And instead of lemons, apples, and everything, it's just Cane's symbols that you'll see. And it'll say Canes win," she elaborated.

Bohnsack's tradition of crafting signs began five years ago, but her allegiance to the Hurricanes spans many years. Her home features a dedicated room filled with memorabilia that showcases her long-standing support, including items from the 2006 season when she and her husband had the chance to touch the Stanley Cup. Her collection boasts autographed sticks, pucks, and even a lamp shaped like the Cup itself. "I've got gloves over here. There's (Jordan) Martinook and (Jordan) Staal, and then our team-signed helmet," she added, showcasing her extensive collection.

Now enjoying retirement, the former teacher and three-time cancer survivor finds joy in devoting her time to cheering for the Hurricanes. With a new season underway, Bohnsack is optimistic about the team's prospects. "We're going to win. This is our year for the Cup," she declared, embodying the spirit of a dedicated fan as she continues to create signs and rally support for her beloved team.