Four weeks before the new season kicks off, the Carolina Hurricanes finally pulled back the curtain on their new local broadcast home, the Hurricanes Hockey Network, but left fans with one massive, unanswered question: how are we actually going to *watch* it? The team dropped a post announcing the HHN as the exclusive local television home for their hockey, covering 72 games, but the crucial details on *where* it will be available were nowhere to be found. It feels like getting a gift wrapped up with a bow, only to find out you can’t open it.
The Gang’s All Back, With a Twist
The biggest news out of the personnel announcements is definitely Hanna Yates making her official return to the Hurricanes’ broadcasts for the 2026-27 season. Mike Maniscalco and Tripp Tracy were already confirmed, and Shane Willis was always likely to be back as a Hurricanes employee. But Yates? That’s a different story. Previously, she worked for Main Street Sports, known as FanDuel Sports Network, the entity that actually broadcast the games. For her to stay on screen, she had to officially become a Hurricanes employee. Given owner Tom Dundon’s reputation for being, shall we say, a bit “thrifty” when it comes to hiring folks, this move is a real signal. It shows just how much the organization values her, enough to bring her in-house, which is pretty cool. Plus, she’s adding “digital host” to her title, so get ready to see her all over the team’s official social media videos!
More Work for Sundheim, More Questions for Fans
While Yates’ employment shift is interesting, it does not change the broader narrative around Dundon and the team’s operations much. VP of Communications Mike Sundheim is officially adding a ton to his plate, taking on management of “all aspects of production, distribution, sales and marketing” for the Hurricanes Hockey Network, all while coordinating with the NHL. So he’s still doing his old job, just with a massive load of new responsibilities piled on top. But for all the behind-the-scenes reorganization and excitement around the returning broadcast crew, the communication totally punted on the fundamental question: where can fans tune in? The release only stated that the HHN is “owned and operated by Hurricanes Holdings” and will provide “live coverage of games, as well as comprehensive pregame and postgame shows,” and will be “available throug” before it cut off. We’re four weeks out, and the most basic detail is still a mystery. It’s frustrating, man.
So, with the puck dropping in just about a month, we’ve got a fantastic broadcast team locked in and a new network name, but still no clue how to actually watch those local games. Hurricanes fans are going to be glued to their phones, waiting for the other shoe to drop on the actual viewing details. Let’s hope the team gives us the full picture soon, because the season is almost here!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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