ICY HOT: How Rod Brind'Amour has led a resurgent hockey powerhouse.

• Date: 01 October 2023
• Author: Roush, Chris
• Published date: 01 October 2023
• Author: Roush, Chris

After winning the Stanley Cup in 2006, the Carolina Hurricanes made the playoffs twice over the next dozen years. Attendance sagged at Raleigh's PNC Arena, ranking second-to-last in the NHL for two years, and rumors floated that the team might leave town. Then, in 2018, the Hurricanes promoted former star and assistant coach Rod Brind'Amour to lead the team.

In the five following years, the Hurricanes have appeared in the National Hockey League playoffs every year, including two trips to the conference finals. He was named the NHL's top coach in 2021. This past season, the Hurricanes averaged 19,526fans per game, second behind the Montreal Canadiens, and a 47% increase from the year before Brind'Amour became coach.

Brind'Amour played 20 seasons for the St. Louis Blues, Philadelphia Flyers and the Hurricanes. He joined the Raleigh team in 1999 and captained the 2006 champions. He finished his career with 452 goals and 732 assists. He was 39 in his last season.

Leadership trainer Travis Vendeusen lauds Brind'Amour's management style, noting he "prioritizes positivity and a growth mindset. He is always looking for ways to improve himself and his team and encourages his players to do the same." In a study posted on Linkedln, Vendeusen notes Brind'Amour's communication skills and his ability to think positively when facing adversity.

Brind'Amour, 53, spoke with Business...