Meet the Carolina Hurricanes' Unofficial Mascot - Hamilton the Pig!

As the Carolina Hurricanes begin their sixth consecutive playoff push, we look back on their epic 2019 playoff season and the unlikely good-luck charm that stole the hearts of fans and players alike.

Meet Kyle & Karoline Eckenrode. Their pet pig, Hamilton, became a huge fan favorite and an unofficial mascot of the Carolina Hurricanes that season. Canes fans considered Hamilton a good luck charm, so much so that Kyle Eckenrode ("Pig Dad") made the trip to Washington, D.C., with Hamilton in tow, for game 7 in the playoff series against the Capitals. The Hurricanes won that game (in double overtime!), winning their first playoff series in ten years.

Hamilton's celebrity skyrocketed, and he was a frequent guest at playoff games that season. He brought joyful smiles to fans at pre-game tailgates and a bit of luck to the players themselves. This VIP (Very Important Pig) has since retired from his "unofficial mascot" days. He now spends his days lazing in the Eckenrodes' sunroom and roaming the yard for snacks. That is one lucky pig, indeed!

My Home, NC
My Home, NC shares the heartwarming stories of the people, culture, food and music of North Carolina. Hosted by Heather Burgiss, the show uncovers and celebrates the hidden gems and histories that make life in our state so unique and enthralling.

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