“Caniacs” pack Wilmington sports bar to cheer on The Carolina Hurricanes in Stanley Cup Final

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WWAY) — Carolina Hurricanes fans packed Carolina Ale House on College Road Thursday night as they gathered to watch Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Vegas Golden Knights.

The restaurant was filled with “Caniacs” sporting Hurricanes gear, cheering on their team and creating an atmosphere that rivaled being inside the arena itself.

“It’s absolutely electric,” said fan Ayden Zollins. “It’s the closest I’ve been to a game without actually being at the arena.”

For many fans, the Hurricanes’ return to the Stanley Cup Final is years in the making. The team has not reached the championship series since winning the Stanley Cup in 2006, making this playoff run especially meaningful for longtime supporters.

“We’ve been close so many times and just haven’t been able to get over the hump,” Zollins said. “We’ve been waiting for years.”

The excitement surrounding the Hurricanes’ postseason success is also providing a boost for local businesses.

Fans spent hours at Carolina Ale House ordering food and drinks, participating in game-day activities and staying through the action on the ice.

“The more, the merrier,” said Sharie Bullen, general manager of Carolina Ale House.

According to WorldMetrics.org, sports bar occupancy can reach as high as 90% on game nights. The site also reports that customers stay an average of two and a half hours and spend roughly $42 per visit. During major championship events, sports bars can see sales increase anywhere from 20% to 100%.

Bullen said the energy inside the restaurant has been contagious throughout the Hurricanes’ playoff run.

“When they score, everybody gets excited,” she said. “The atmosphere is incredible.”

While bartenders and servers worked to keep up with the crowd, fans remained focused on the game — and some even leaned on their favorite game-day traditions to help bring the Hurricanes a little extra luck.

“If I’m not working, I’m at Ale House wearing my jersey,” one fan said. “That’s the best I can do.”

The Carolina Hurricanes beat the Vegas Golden Knights in overtime. They will head to T-Mobile arena in Vegas for game 3.