VOORHEES, N.J. — There will be no celebration for the Carolina Hurricanes in the event of a victory over the Flyers on Saturday.
According to team captain Justin Williams, who sent out a tweet Thursday afternoon, the Hurricanes are shutting down their celebratory “Storm Surge” — a cub scout-like on-ice skit that has brought an energy and excitement level to PNC Arena following the team’s victories this season.
The creativity and enthusiasm of the "Surge" took off after Hockey Night in Canada’s Don Cherry labeled the Hurricanes players as “a bunch of jerks” for their antics. The team immediately responded by mocking Cherry and selling T-shirts that read “Bunch of Jerks” across the front.
James van Riemsdyk, whose brother Trevor is a defenseman with Carolina, has found a certain amusement with the celebration that even included Trevor showcasing his basketball skills.
“It definitely seemed a little wacky at first, but as athetes, we’re here to be entertainers as well, so if that’s part of it, then that’s part of it," van Riemsdyk said. "Some of them have been pretty clever. I don’t really have a problem with it. My parents have gone down to a bunch of the games, and they’ve even noticed a difference from last year to this year. The fan experience and the engagement of the fans has been night-and-day different.”
Regardless of whether the Hurricanes shut down their postgame antics or not, Cam Talbot wants to ensure the 'Canes have no reason to celebrate on Saturday. Talbot will start the game in Carolina, another sign the Flyers' organization is turning its focus toward next season.
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“I think that’s pretty much why they brought me in is more or less an audition,” Talbot said. “It’s taken me a little bit longer to get this opportunity. Have to do my best with it even though it has been a long layoff and get back into it as quick as possible.”
Talbot has played just two games with the Flyers since the team acquired him from Edmonton on Feb. 16, and he’s made only one start — a 6-3 win over the Devils on March 1.
Interim head coach Scott Gordon said earlier this week he’d like to get Talbot “two or three” starts over their final five regular-season games.
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