It’s finally starting to feel real. Following the Hurricanes’ first practice of the Phase 3 training camp at PNC Arena Monday ahead of the postseason starting Aug. 1, it’s finally starting to feel like we’re going to see some hockey.
Media are allowed in the building for these practices, to observe from the 200-level ledge lounge (under safety protocols that include a symptom checklist and temperature check on the way in, and requirement to wear masks and stay six feet apart). Everything is obviously different in the “new normal” (that phrase is cancelled once COVID is gone), and player interviews are conducted via Zoom, but it was great to be back in the building and experience the sights and sounds of real-life hockey.