Cul de sac Caniacs take their love for the team to the streets
Posted May 18, 2023 12:00 p.m. EDT
Updated May 19, 2023 12:23 p.m. EDT
Raleigh, N.C. — An artistic flair surrounds the cul de sac on Pony Pasture Court in Raleigh.
Years ago, some Carolina Hurricanes fans in the neighborhood took their love for the Canes to the streets. Now with the Canes in the middle of a deep playoff run, the guys are showing their passion with a giant Canes logo they created in the road.
In 2006, Mike Lewis and Bill Tomko completed the logo and the Canes responded by winning the Stanley Cup. The duo revamped it in 2010 and freshened it up this spring as they're hoping the artwork summons some of that same mojo for another chance at a championship.
"Oh, they're going all the way," said Lewis. "I never lived around a professional sports team and when the Canes came to town, this was like heaven."
The 'eye' of the logo surrounds a manhole cover and the red, black and white colors and angles are a pretty close replica of the image you see on the jerseys.
Lewis has been a season ticket-holder since 2003 and Tomko wore a jersey signed by lots of Canes players during a recent interview.
"Back in '06, it was Bill's idea and he's got a sister, Laura, who's real artistic," Lewis sad.
"She told me how to grid it out from the logo and we took a piece of paper, drew out the grids, chalk lined the grid back on the street and it was easy," Tomko said. "It just took time."
Like Canes winger Teuvo Teräväinen, Lewis is dealing with a postseason injury and hasn't attended some of the playoff games. However, he's eyeing a comeback.
"If they go to Round 4, I'm crawling there," Lewis said.
The Canes take on the Florida Panthers in the Eastern Conference Final with Game 1 coming on Thursday night at PNC Arena.
If you want to show WRAL your Canes fandom, be sure to email us pictures at reportit@wral.com or visit wral.com/reportit.
WRAL is airing its “Quest for the Cup” pregame special at 7:30 p.m. ET before Game 1. Watch WRAL-TV for analysis, interviews with current and former Canes players and to see the excitement at PNC Arena. After the game, watch WRAL-TV for “Quest for the Cup” postgame show at 11:25 p.m. ET. We’ll have highlights from Game 1, analysis of the outcome and what’s ahead for Game 2.
