UNC Hockey Writers Gain Professional Sports Media Experience Covering Canes vs. Predators
By UNC Writing Team
RALEIGH, N.C. — The University of North Carolina hockey team strives to set the standard of college hockey both on and off the ice. Thanks to the Carolina Hurricanes communications department, UNC Hockey writers Brian D’Aguanno, Caleb Herrera, Emma Mays and Lauren Rhodes were given the unique opportunity to cover the Carolina Hurricanes vs. Nashville Predators preseason game on Wednesday night.
From writing in the press box to attending a post-game press conference with head coach Rod Brind’Amour, the team gained invaluable experience covering an NHL event. Below, each writer reflects on their experience and shares what they took away from the night.
Lauren Rhodes
“I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to try my hand at sports writing in such a professional environment. The ability to access such high-profile spaces, resources and interviews not only gave me a backstage peek at the sports journalism industry but also a chance to carve my niche into it.
Coming from a hard news background, fast-paced stories and live interviews are not new to me. But when you’re staring at the face of Head Coach Rod Brind’Amour, it becomes a whole lot harder to remember what you wanted to ask about power plays. I am brand new to the world of sports, so I truly appreciated how helpful and patient my team and the professionals around me were. This was a truly learn-on-my-feet experience and I am so excited to apply the insights I gained tonight at UNC Hockey and beyond.”
Emma Mays
“The opportunity to attend the Carolina Hurricanes vs. Nashville Predators game in Raleigh tonight from the press box was one of a kind. As I am currently branching out into different aspects of media, writing is quickly climbing to the top of my list of favorites, especially after tonight. I had the opportunity to learn what it is like to write and work in an NHL arena, which is a goal of mine.
In addition, I had the opportunity to interview players in the locker room afterward. I spoke to Brendan Lemieux about what it was like to score a goal right before the Canes powerplay and I asked him what he felt went well about the game and what he hopes to see the team improve on. We also sat in on the press conference with Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour and heard his thoughts on the game. Overall, this was a highly unique opportunity and I am incredibly grateful to the Hurricanes organization for giving us the opportunity.”
Brian D’Aguanno
“From an elevator ride with the Hurricanes GM to asking head coach Rod Brind’Amour a question, this experience was indescribable. Seeing the inner workings and behind-the-scenes of the NHL media department was fascinating.
At times I found myself getting lost in the experience, imagining myself as an NHL reporter. When I entered the locker room, the reality of the whole thing hit me. Being so close to the players and being able to ask them questions was amazing. Having an understanding of the media world will be instrumental to my future success in the sports reporting industry. “
Caleb Herrera
Tonight was a night that I will remember for a long time. The opportunity to temporarily live out my dream covering an NHL team is something I am eternally grateful for. From the moment I stepped into the arena, it just felt right. Being able to sit in the press box and write as a professional about the sport I love is such a unique feeling.
The fact that in one night I was able to stand in an elevator with GM Eric Tulsky, interview my favorite hurricanes prospect, Felix Unger Sorum and sit in on a classic Rod Brind’Amour post game presser just reminded me of why I fell in love with writing in the first place. I was able to see behind the scenes of sports media and feel the pulse of Lenovo Center as the game unfolded; it’s a feeling I’ve been chasing since I first realized my love for hockey and journalism, and tonight I had a chance to live it. I’m incredibly grateful for the experience and it’s motivated me to work even harder towards my goal of making this my future career. This night will serve as a reminder of where I want to be and the steps I need to take to get there.”
