There’s nothing like the feeling of the cool, crisp October air, specifically that of the air inside the RBC Center, not outside. You get chills from the second you step into the arena, from both the ice being down and knowing it is the start of hockey season, which is the best part of October (which is not, contrary to popular belief, the MLB post-season). And with the start of hockey season come two great programs for Caniacs of all ages – the Hurricanes Hockey Kids Club and Hurricanes U.

Kaitlin Szulik

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Hurricanes Hockey Kids Club
Your child’s eyes seem to grow big with excitement as they watch games at the RBC Center and their jaws drop when they see a player skate by – don’t you want them to feel that rush and joy of being a child whenever possible?

Well, even the youngest Caniacs are able to be a part of the Hurricanes in their own special way. The Hurricanes Hockey Kids Club, now in its second season, allows for children 12 and under to be in a club exclusively for kids who love the Hurricanes and can’t get enough hockey. In addition to special bobbleheads, t-shirts, lunch boxes and discounts on game tickets, Kids Club members have their own members-only autograph session with players, where you can see their faces light up again, just like on game days.

Members can receive all of this for a membership fee of $30, and Season Ticket holders will receive a discounted membership fee of $20 for the first 500 participants as appreciation for their continued support. Registration has already begun, so sign up today and click here to see what members receive.

Hurricanes University
Have you ever wondered what the Hurricanes locker room looks like, where your favorite players get dressed and ready for each game? Do you love hockey but want to know more about rules, terminology and strategy so you can know everything happening on the ice at games? Would you like to feel the rush of excitement and get those same chills down your spine as the players do when you step onto NHL ice at the RBC Center? If so, then Hurricanes U is for you!

Hurricanes U is where your hockey dreams and desire for knowledge meet. Hurricanes U undergrads get the behind-the-scenes look at the Carolina Hurricanes that they have always wondered about. And best of all, it is for everyone, no matter your age, hockey knowledge level, or skating ability.

Back for its seventh season, Hurricanes U – Hockey 101 is a three-night study session for fans who want to learn more about the coolest game on earth. Each program will feature members from the Hurricanes team, coaching staff and broadcast team. The on-ice portion will be taught by Hurricanes coaches and covers skating, passing and shooting – even if you have never skated before! The program also includes a tour of the locker room which allows you to be where Eric Staal, Rod Brind'Amour and your favorite players spend time before and after games.

There are two Hockey 101 programs, Fall and Winter, that Caniacs can choose from to attend. The Fall program is in November 2008 and the Winter program is in January 2009.

For those Caniacs who want to take their knowledge to the next level, you can enroll in the Hurricanes U Graduate Course, which looks at how the current Hurricanes team was built. Learn about contracts, free agency, the collective bargaining agreement, the draft, waivers and more from members of the Hurricanes management team. Hurricanes U Graduate Course is a Spring program starting in February 2009.

For more information or to sign up, click here!

We are looking forward to a great season and hope you will spread hockey fever by signing up for the Hurricanes Hockey Kids Club or for Hurricanes U.

Let’s Go Canes!