The **Carolina Hurricanes** are a professional ice hockey team based in Raleigh, North Carolina, competing in the NHL's Metropolitan Division of the Eastern Conference. Founded in 1971 originally as the New England Whalers in the WHA, the franchise transitioned to the NHL in 1979 as the Hartford Whalers before relocating to North Carolina in 1997 and adopting the Hurricanes name[1]. The organization is notable for winning the Stanley Cup in 2006, marking North Carolina’s first major professional sports championship, a significant achievement in its history. The team reached the Stanley Cup Final in 2002 but lost to the Detroit Red Wings. The Hurricanes play their home games at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh and maintain strong historical connections to their Hartford roots, including retaining the original goal horn from the Hartford Civic Center[1]. Beyond hockey, the Hurricanes are deeply invested in community engagement through the **Hurricanes Youth Development Program** and the **Carolina Hurricanes Foundation**, which supports health, education, and youth hockey programs across North Carolina. Since 1997, the Foundation has donated over $17 million to local nonprofits with a focus on underserved children, emphasizing both charitable giving and active involvement by players and staff[1][3]. The organization’s leadership includes CEO and owner Tom Dundon, who is also Chairman of Dundon Capital, alongside key executives managing operations, finance, and legal affairs. This professional management team supports not only the hockey side but also the operational aspects of the Lenovo Center arena[2]. The Hurricanes stand out in both sport and business for their community commitment, historical legacy, and successful transition from a WHA team to an NHL Stanley Cup champion, making them a compelling case study in sports franchise evolution and community integration within the technology-equipped modern arena environment[1][2][3].