The beginning of the 1997-98 NHL season brings another new face to hockey, although it seems strangely familiar.

On Friday, October 3, the Carolina Hurricanes, the franchise formerly known as the Hartford Whalers, played their first regular season game at the Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina, in front of an announced crowd of 18,000. The evening was a success for the Hurricanes, despite their 4-3 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Fans were vocal and enjoyed the game, and they eagerly bought up merchandise featuring the Hurricanes' distinctive red, white, black and silver logo, as well as lots of commemorative opening night program, pucks, pennants, and posters. By the end of the evening, two things were clear: North Carolina is officially NHL country, and the Hartford Whalers are a pleasant memory.

While that might have been obvious to most, there seemed to be some lingering doubt before the game. Over 100 die-hard Whaler fans made the long trip down from Connecticut to see the game. They were there to give support to the players who had been Hartford's favorite sons only a few months ago. On the local Greensboro news, many of the Whaler fans simply said this was closure on a sad event, and a way to show that they still care about Whalers hockey. However, in listening to these fans speak, I could hear a sense of betrayal and anger that an area so loyal to hockey could have its team moved to North Carolina, where hockey is all but a stranger. Outside the Coliseum, groups of fans in Whalers jerseys yelled encouragement to each other and held signs that said "Save the Whale." Inside, scattered groups of Whalers jerseys could be seen in the crowd.

Technically the largest building in the NHL this season (21,000 seats), the Greensboro Coliseum Complex is impressive. Still, without a giant video scoreboard and huge luxury boxes, the Greensboro Coliseum is almost quaint and seems strangely undersized for the NHL. Perhaps it's the smaller than regulation rink (the only one in the NHL this year), or the fact that a section in the upper tier serves as an impromptu press box and video review booth. Whatever the case, the Coliseum is no stranger to big events, and the introduction of the Hurricanes was memorable, even if it was a bit cliched.

Before all of the fans had filed to their seats, the arena lights dimmed. After a few minutes of Europe's "The Final Countdown," the PA announcer spoke. "All right, fans," he said, "we've waited long enough. The NHL has finally come to North Carolina. It's Friday night. Are you ready for some hockey?" The crowd roared its approval. The Rolling Stones' "Start Me Up" blared over the loudspeakers. A laser show began at center ice. Excitement was building. "Ladies and Gentlemen...your 1997 Carolina Hurricanes!" The crowd rose to its feet and applauded and cheered every player as they were introduced. When the Penguins took the ice, they were booed lustily, as was Hurricane owner Peter Karmanos, the man who moved the Whalers to North Carolina. Whaler faithful had the chance to let him know one more time how they felt about him. (They also let him know during the singing of the national anthem, to the displeasure of local fans.)

When the game finally began, it was an NHL hockey game like any other, and the crowd enjoyed it. They cheered when their Hurricanes delivered a check, and cheered louder when Penguin superstar Jaromir Jagr was sent to the penalty box. They loved the fights, and they booed when they felt the referee had missed a call for their team. They stood to watch breakaways and scoring chances, and they celebrated when Nelson Emerson finally scored the Hurricanes' first home goal. Two Carolina goals in the third period brought the score to 4-3 and kept the fans excited until the very end. There were a few opening night miscues. Twice, doors flew open after checks in the corner and in front of the penalty box, creating a dangerous situation for players. Also, the Zambonis had a difficult time getting the ice resurfaced on time because intermission entertainment ran past schedule. When it was all over, however, the Hurricanes had put on a show and left their new fans entertained.

How the other 40 home games will be received is anyone's guess. As evidenced by the large number of fans in NHL merchandise, there are plenty of local hockey fans ecstatic at the prospect of having the NHL in their backyard for the next two seasons. Plus, this section of North Carolina known as the Triad is finally getting a major league franchise after watching southern sister Charlotte get the Hornets of the NBA and the Panthers of the NFL in recent years; the local pride is obvious.

But there are some ominous signs for Hurricane supporters. Ticket prices are high, and season ticket sales are stuck around 3,000; fans in Raleigh may be waiting for the new arena in 1999. Outside the Coliseum before the game, Jeff Burton's number 99 NASCAR stock car was on display; inside, Jeff was made "official driver" of the Hurricanes and given a number 99 jersey. It was an ironic reminder that Wayne Gretzky and NHL hockey have merited little attention in these parts. One more sobering sign: the next day on the cover of the Greensboro News & Record, the Hurricanes inaugural game merited second place coverage to a local businessman signing a letter of intent to buy the Minnesota Twins baseball team and move them to the Triad in 2001. Will the Hurricanes have time to build a fan base to compete with a "more traditional" major league sport?

Those questions weren't asked Friday night, though. The Canes let the world know that they are North Carolina's hockey team. Hurricane fans made it known that they are happy to have them. Whaler fans let everyone know that they loved their team. And for one night, at least, the Carolina Hurricanes were the only game in town.

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