West Cabarrus HS went all out for Aidan’s Dream send-off including the entire senior class, a trip to Chick-Fil-A and time together at Stars and Strikes! While Aidan’s send-off happened prior to his Dream Experience due to spring break, but that doesn’t mean the send-off was any less special! The WCHS Jr. Dream Team created a video just for Aidan including personal messages from all Jr. Dream Team members. One of the members was even able to show up for send-off at Aidan’s house, which meant the world to Aidan and his family.
Aidan and his family were then whisked off to Raleigh in a limo! Upon arrival at PNC Arena, Aidan was gifted a shopping spree at the team store by the Carolina Hurricanes Community Relations and Fan Development team who went above and beyond for Aidan yesterday. He was also gifted a Sebastian Aho bobblehead and signed puck, and since Aho is his favorite player, Aidan was over the moon. From there, Aidan watched some players practice on ice and even got to go on ice himself! He took a tour of where the Zambonis are stored and was able to sound the famous Hurricanes warning siren.
Aidan was then surprised by the Hurricanes Creative Services Team and practiced game commentating with Tripp Tracy. The Creative Services Team showed Aidan all the ins and outs of the control room, which Aidan absolutely loved. He now aspires to work in the field and hopefully work alongside this creative team one day!
From here, Aidan was given a VIP tour of the locker room where he met Hurricanes Head Coach, Rod Brind’Amour and Head Strength and Conditioning coach, Bill Burniston. While in the locker room, Aidan got to sit at Aho’s locker and was even gifted one of Aho’s sticks by Equipment Manager, Bob Gorman!
After all of this excitement, the Dream Team headed to The Umstead Hotel and Spa, who rolled out the red carpet for Aidan and his family. The crew was greeted with valet service, given a suite, and snacks!
After some down time and dinner, the Dream Team headed back to PNC Arena where Aidan watched warmups from the Hurricanes bench! Here he was able to fist bump Aho and even got iced by Jalen Chatfield. Aidan was beyond stoked.
From here, the crew watched intros at ice level and high-fived the players! To cap off this Dream Experience, Aidan and his brother watched the Hurricanes beat the Red Wings 4-1 from glass seats.
Shout out to the West Cabarrus HS Jr. Dream Team and to Erie Insurance for helping make Aidan’s Hurricanes Dream come true!
