RALEIGH, NC – Hockey is making a comeback in the mountains of North Carolina.
Following the loss of their rink to Hurricane Helene, the City of Asheville and the Asheville Hockey League have begun rebuilding. Stepping up to support them, the Carolina Hurricanes recently hosted 100 league members at their game against the Philadelphia Flyers. During the event, Canes President Doug Warf presented a $75,000 check to aid in restoring the league’s facilities.
“This was an easy decision for us,” Warf said in a pre-game press conference. “We’re not only committing these funds but will stand alongside them to rebuild an even better facility.”
Initially pledging $50,000 from their “Raise Up $1 Million” raffle program, the Hurricanes later matched $25,000 raised through a GoFundMe, while the NHL contributed an additional $10,000.
“The Canes’ support means a lot as we start this rebuilding journey,” said Asheville Hockey League Treasurer Jay Curwen. “Asheville had a rough month, and recovery will take years.”
The Asheville rink, a community fixture since 2000, hosted youth and adult leagues nearly every day and had 1,800 registered players. With the facility out of commission, players now face a three-hour round trip to Greenville, SC, to practice and compete.
Sixteen-year-old Gibby Curwen, a youth player, shared the emotional impact of the destruction. “After the hurricane, I remember driving around Asheville and feeling so sad. When my dad told me the rink was destroyed, I didn’t believe it. That’s where I learned to play hockey, where I grew up with my friends. Seeing it completely covered in mud was heartbreaking.”
The league hopes to rebuild within a year, starting with assessing whether the existing rink can be salvaged. The structure, buried in mud and littered with debris, will be evaluated by engineers, insurance adjusters, and city officials to determine if restoration or a complete rebuild is the best path forward.
“The damage was unreal,” Curwen’s father recounted. “The scoreboard, 25 feet high, had part of a camper on top of it. There was a boat on a flyover bridge 18 feet up, and an 18-wheeler leaning against the rink. Trees were down, and all the dasher boards were destroyed.”
Though the funds are a major boost, much work remains. Nevertheless, the AHL community is hopeful and eager for a new beginning.
“Our league welcomes everyone—from kids who’ve never skated to adults with semi-pro experience. Hockey brings everyone together, and it’s a big part of Asheville’s identity,” Curwen continued.
The Hurricanes’ support goes beyond funding. “We want our fans to have a place to play in the mountains and along the coast,” Warf said. “These aren’t setbacks but steps forward. We’re launching two outdoor rinks in Apex, and if we’re needed in Asheville, we’re ready to help however we can.”