1997-98 First Carolina Season

Lore & Background

The team played its home games at the newly constructed RBC Center, bringing professional hockey to a market hungry for it. While on-ice success took time to build, the atmosphere in Raleigh signaled a commitment to long-term growth. The season laid the foundational culture that would eventually lead to division titles and deep playoff runs.

In Their Own Story

The ice at the RBC Center shimmered under bright lights as the crowd hushed for the opening face-off. Ron Francis stood tall at center, his jersey bearing the new hurricane logo. He looked out at the sea of red and gold in the stands, feeling the weight of history shifting from Connecticut to Carolina. The puck dropped, and the first chapter of a new story began.

Reader's Guide

The franchise officially relocated from Hartford to Raleigh prior to this campaign, marking a major shift in NHL geography. Paul Maurice was hired as the first head coach for the Hurricanes, tasked with building a competitive roster quickly after the move. Ron Francis was named team captain early in the season, providing veteran leadership during the transition period. The team played their home opener at the RBC Center on October 4, 1997, against the New York Islanders. Despite missing the playoffs with a 28-43-11 record, the season established the Hurricanes as a permanent fixture in North Carolina hockey history.

Did You Know?

• This was the first season played under the Hurricanes name after the Hartford Whalers relocation.
• Paul Maurice became the franchise's first head coach during this inaugural campaign.
• The team played their home games at the RBC Center, which later became PNC Arena.
• Ron Francis served as captain, continuing his leadership role from the Hartford days.