A day after the death of Julia Rowe, the Hurricanes still were coming to grips with the loss of a vibrant young girl whose fight against leukemia was such an inspiration in 2006 as the team swept to the Stanley Cup.
"It definitely hit home," goaltender Cam Ward said today. "She obviously was a special young girl and obviously a big part of our Stanley Cup run. We dedicated that run on her behalf and as time went on we were really close, as an entire team."
It is almost impossible now, more than two years later, to recall the sheer emotion associated with the Hurricanes' run to the Stanley Cup, how every moment seemed drenched in significance.
Some of that is natural, the product of being immersed in a playoff run -- it happens with every team that wins a playoff round or two. Fans, and to a lesser extent the media, can't help but be caught up in the drama. And after it's over, it fades. Soon, even the memory becomes sepia-tinged -- certain to provoke a smile, perhaps, from a fan reminiscing about better days, but without the stomach-dropping excitement and tension that lurked around every corner.
Today, the news of Julia Rowe's untimely passing brought it all back.
Hurricanes players and staff members were saddened today to learn of the death of Julia Rowe, the young girl whose battle with leukemia proved so inspiring to the team during its run to the Stanley Cup in 2006.
Hurricanes trainer Pete Friesen will hold his third annual pre-camp 5K around the RBC Center on Sept. 13, but this one may be a little more meaningful than the first two.
Friesen said the event will be held in honor of young Julia Rowe, whose battle with leukemia proved so inspiring to the Hurricanes during their run to the Stanley Cup in 2006.
Hurricanes trainer Pete Friesen will hold his third annual pre-camp 5K around the RBC Center on Sept. 13, but this one may be a little more meaningful than the first two.
Friesen said the event will be held in honor of young Julia Rowe, whose battle with leukemia proved so inspiring to the Hurricanes during their run to the Stanley Cup in 2006.
