'Kind of dope:' NFL's Panthers supporting Hurricanes' NHL Stanley Cup journey

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Nic Scourton has yet to experience an NHL game.

When asked following Tuesday's NFL offseason-training activities (OTAs) practice if he had previously viewed a hockey game, his answer was as quick as his speed rush: "No."

But he may soon.

Possibly Tuesday night when the Carolina Hurricanes were slated to host the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina.

The father of Scourton's girlfriend "loves hockey," he said, and with the Hurricanes targeting their first championship since 2005-06, coach Dave Canales continues challenging his players to support the cross-state franchise.

"There are a couple of hockey fans on our team," Canales said.

Scourton may have yet to experience a live hockey game, but he has a sense of admiration for the competitors.

"I love their sport," Scourton said. "It's violent. It's aggressive and they get to ice skate.

"It's kind of dope."

NFL's Panthers rooting for cross-state Hurricanes in NHL Stanley Cup Final 

Panthers coach Dave Canales opened his press conference Tuesday by wishing the Hurricanes good luck.

"It's pretty exciting, just the championship environment and all that's happening," Canales said. "We've been following it as a team throughout the series.

"It's been great to follow along, so I wish them a lot of luck."

The Panthers played a recent role in the Hurricanes' path to the Stanley Cup Final. Panthers icon and future Hall of Famer Luke Kuechly sounded the pregame siren last Friday as the Hurricanes qualified for the championship round.

Exiting Tuesday's press conference, Canales was asked about the opportunity to attend a Stanley Cup Final game if he wasn't in the midst of OTAs.

"Man, that would be awesome," he said.

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