[Hurricanes Announce Staff Additions, Launch New Television Network, and Expand Broadcast Reach]
As the first weekend of September approaches, the inaugural issue of Hurricanes News & Rumors highlights a flurry of updates from the Carolina Hurricanes. This week’s announcements cover staff career moves, new hires, the debut of a dedicated hockey network, and preparation for the 2026‑27 season.
On Friday morning (September 4), management unveiled a series of personnel changes ahead of the new campaign. The most significant departure was longtime head athletic trainer Doug Bennett, whose tenure spanned sixteen seasons. While the loss surprised many supporters, it feels deserved after years of service in Raleigh.
Under the newly implemented Emergency Backup Goalkeeper (EBUG) provisions in the collective bargaining agreement, head equipment manager Jorge Alves has been appointed as the team’s primary buff backup goalie for the season. Alves, who appeared in just eight minutes during the 2016‑17 campaign, already carries NHL credentials and will assume dual obligations.
Formulator of the franchise’s development plans, offensive power forward Cam Ward will transition from goalie scout to assistant goalsie coach. He will focus closely on advancing the skill set of future Hurricanes defensemen, including those developing for the Greensboro Gargoyles of the ECHL.
Additionally, former Hurricanes netminder Dustin Tokarski joins the roster in a scouts role, assisting both amateur and professional evaluators across drafts, trades, and free‑agency activities.
Hurricanes Hockey Network
One of the earliest revelations from Hurricanes this past week was the naming of their brand‑new broadcast platform on September 1. The Hurricanes Hockey Network (HHN) will serve as the dedicated home for fans watching the team throughout the season, alongside the introduction of its on‑air production staff.
Headplay‑by‑play announcer Mike Maniscalco returns as the team’s lead broadcaster, marking his eleventh season with Raleigh—his seventh as the primary voice. Television analyst Tripp Tracy also rejoins, bringing together two decades of experience.
Fan staple Hanna Yates retains her position as broadcast and digital host for a fifth season with the organization, this being her first direct assignment with the Hurricanes. She is joined by Shane Willis, who serves as an analyst for pre‑game, intermission, and post‑game programming.
The Hurricanes will feature in twelve nationally televised matchups this season, corresponding with twelve runs on the Hurricanes Radio Network featuring Maniscalco and Tracy. The remaining seventy‑two games will air esclusively on the new HHN.
Hurricanes to Stream on Prime Video
Following the HHN unveiling, Vice President of Communications Mike Sundheim announced on September 2 that the network will be accessible streaming on Amazon Prime Video for subscribers within the Hurricanes’ regional footprint covering North and South Carolina and Virginia. Viewers have the option of a monthly subscription at $19.99 or an annual pass priced at $99.99; a free Amazon account suffices for access, even for non‑Prime members. Fans located outside the local market can continue watching games via NHL Power Play on the ESPN App or NHL Center Ice.
The series begins twenty‑four days before the start of the 2026‑27 campaign. As the team readies itself to defend its recent Stanley Cup crown, additional news and reporting are anticipated as the season approaches.
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