Frederik Andersen’s return to Edmonton came with a championship moment before the puck dropped. The Carolina Hurricanes presented their former goaltender with his Stanley Cup ring during the club’s visit to face the Oilers.
Key takeaways
- Andersen received his ring from the Hurricanes on Wednesday in Edmonton.
- The veteran netminder spent the previous five seasons in Carolina before joining the Oilers in July free agency.
- Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour told the room Andersen remains part of the organization’s family.
- Carolina general manager Eric Tulsky handed Andersen the ring box in front of his former teammates.
- The Hurricanes and Oilers meet Thursday at Rogers Place, with a 9 p.m. ET start.
A Hurricanes reunion in the Oilers’ locker room
Carolina gathered around Andersen for the presentation, with Brind’Amour first addressing the group and making clear that a change of sweater had not changed Andersen’s place with the Hurricanes.
Brind’Amour said Andersen needed no introduction to the room, calling him someone who would remain “part of the family.” The coach added that the players would always share that bond with their former goalie, even while Andersen now plays for the other side.
“He’s a Hurricane,” Brind’Amour said. “Love this guy.”
Tulsky then presented Andersen with the box. Andersen opened it, slipped the ring onto his finger and received applause from the Carolina players.
Andersen had waited to see the ring
Andersen said he had been eager for the presentation and had tried to avoid seeing the ring online before getting it in person.
“Thanks, boys,” Andersen said. “I’ve been looking forward to seeing it. I’ve tried not to look online, but I’ve been waiting to see this for a while.”
The goalie said he wished he could have been with the Hurricanes when the team first received its rings, but appreciated Carolina making time for the presentation during the Edmonton trip.
“Thanks for doing this,” Andersen said. “It’s cool.”
Thursday’s game at Rogers Place will put Andersen’s new club opposite the team with which he spent his past five NHL seasons. The Hurricanes and Oilers are scheduled for a 9 p.m. ET faceoff.
