Sports

The Canes take the Stanley Cup!

The Carolina Hurricanes celebrate their Stanley Cup Championship after defeating Vegas.
The Carolina Hurricanes celebrate their Stanley Cup Championship after defeating Vegas. ehyman@newsobserver.com

The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Vegas Golden Knights 3-0 Sunday night to win the Stanley Cup Championship for the first time since 2006.

Led by the outstanding play of goalie Brandon Bussi, the Canes took the series in six games.

While some lucky fans traveled to Las Vegas from North Carolina for the game, thousands are gathering at watch parties at home, including at Raleigh’s Lenovo Center, and venues across downtown.

Our team of photojournalists are in Las Vegas and scattered across Raleigh for coverage. Check back for dramatic photos and video.

The Carolina Hurricanes celebrate on the ice after defeating Vegas to win the Stanley Cup Championship.
The Carolina Hurricanes celebrate on the ice after defeating Vegas to win the Stanley Cup Championship. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Carolina Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal (11) accepts the Stanley Cup, after defeating the Vegas Golden Knights 3-0 in Game 6, on Sunday, June 14, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV.
Carolina Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal (11) accepts the Stanley Cup, after defeating the Vegas Golden Knights 3-0 in Game 6, on Sunday, June 14, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Carolina's Jordan Staal (11) raises the Cup after Hurricanes’ 3-0 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights to win the Stanley Cup at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., Sunday, June 14, 2026.
Carolina's Jordan Staal (11) raises the Cup after Hurricanes’ 3-0 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights to win the Stanley Cup at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., Sunday, June 14, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Carolina's Brandon Bussi (32) raises the Cup after getting it from K'andre Miller (19) after Hurricanes’ 3-0 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights to win the Stanley Cup at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., Sunday, June 14, 2026.
Carolina's Brandon Bussi (32) raises the Cup after getting it from K'andre Miller (19) after Hurricanes’ 3-0 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights to win the Stanley Cup at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., Sunday, June 14, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Canes coach Rod Brind'Amour raises the cup after the Hurricanes’ 3-0 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights to win the Stanley Cup at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., Sunday, June 14, 2026.
Canes coach Rod Brind'Amour raises the cup after the Hurricanes’ 3-0 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights to win the Stanley Cup at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., Sunday, June 14, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Carolina's Jackson Blake (53) reacts after scoring in the second period of the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., Sunday, June 14, 2026.
Carolina's Jackson Blake (53) reacts after scoring in the second period of the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., Sunday, June 14, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Carolina's Jackson Blake (53) celebrates his goal in the second period to put the Canes up 2-0 over Vegas in game six of the Stanley Cup Championship.
Carolina's Jackson Blake (53) celebrates his goal in the second period to put the Canes up 2-0 over Vegas in game six of the Stanley Cup Championship. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Carolina's Jackson Blake (53) celebrates scoring in the second period of the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., Sunday, June 14, 2026.
Carolina's Jackson Blake (53) celebrates scoring in the second period of the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., Sunday, June 14, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Carolina Hurricanes left wing Taylor Hall (71) celebrates after a goal by Carolina Hurricanes right wing Jackson Blake (53) to take a 2-0 lead in the second period during Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final, on Sunday, June 14, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV.
Carolina Hurricanes left wing Taylor Hall (71) celebrates after a goal by Carolina Hurricanes right wing Jackson Blake (53) to take a 2-0 lead in the second period during Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final, on Sunday, June 14, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Fans cheered as the Carolina Hurricanes scored their second goal on the Vegas Golden Knights during a Stanley Cup finals game 6 watch party at Smoky Hollow on June 14, 2026, in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Fans cheered as the Carolina Hurricanes scored their second goal on the Vegas Golden Knights during a Stanley Cup finals game 6 watch party at Smoky Hollow on June 14, 2026, in Raleigh, North Carolina. Ben Pennington ben.pennington@newsobserver.com
Fans react at a watch party outside the Lenovo Center after the Hurricanes scored to take a 2-0 lead over the Vegas Golden Knights during game six of the Stanley Cup Final on Sunday, June 14, 2026, in Raleigh, N.C.
Fans react at a watch party outside the Lenovo Center after the Hurricanes scored to take a 2-0 lead over the Vegas Golden Knights during game six of the Stanley Cup Final on Sunday, June 14, 2026, in Raleigh, N.C. Kaitlin McKeown kmckeown@newsobserver.com
Fans cheered as the Carolina Hurricanes scored their second goal on the Vegas Golden Knights during a Stanley Cup finals game 6 watch party at Smoky Hollow on June 14, 2026, in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Fans cheered as the Carolina Hurricanes scored their second goal on the Vegas Golden Knights during a Stanley Cup finals game 6 watch party at Smoky Hollow on June 14, 2026, in Raleigh, North Carolina. Ben Pennington ben.pennington@newsobserver.com
Hurricanes goalie Brandon Bussi plucks the puck out of the air to make a miracle save in the first period against Vegas.
Hurricanes goalie Brandon Bussi plucks the puck out of the air to make a miracle save in the first period against Vegas. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Carolina's Logan Stankoven (22) shoots in the second period of the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., Sunday, June 14, 2026.
Carolina's Logan Stankoven (22) shoots in the second period of the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., Sunday, June 14, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Carolina Hurricanes goalie Brandon Bussi (32) deflects a shot by Vegas right wing Pavel Dorofeyev (16) in the first period during Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final, on Sunday, June 14, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV.
Carolina Hurricanes goalie Brandon Bussi (32) deflects a shot by Vegas right wing Pavel Dorofeyev (16) in the first period during Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final, on Sunday, June 14, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Fans cheered in anticipation during a Stanley Cup finals game 6 watch party at Smoky Hollow on June 14, 2026, in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Fans cheered in anticipation during a Stanley Cup finals game 6 watch party at Smoky Hollow on June 14, 2026, in Raleigh, North Carolina. Ben Pennington ben.pennington@newsobserver.com
Carolina's Jackson Blake (53) brings the puck up as Vegas' Brayden McNabb (3) and Vegas’ Mark Stone (61) defend during the first period of the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., Sunday, June 14, 2026.
Carolina's Jackson Blake (53) brings the puck up as Vegas' Brayden McNabb (3) and Vegas’ Mark Stone (61) defend during the first period of the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., Sunday, June 14, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Carolina's Sean Walker (26) passes the puck while defended by Vegas’ Braeden Bowman (42) during the first period of the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., Sunday, June 14, 2026.
Carolina's Sean Walker (26) passes the puck while defended by Vegas’ Braeden Bowman (42) during the first period of the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., Sunday, June 14, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Carolina's Brandon Bussi (32) makes the save during the first period of the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., Sunday, June 14, 2026.
Carolina's Brandon Bussi (32) makes the save during the first period of the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., Sunday, June 14, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Vegas' Jack Eichel (9) hooks Carolina's Taylor Hall (71) as he prepares to shoot in the first period of the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., Sunday, June 14, 2026.
Vegas' Jack Eichel (9) hooks Carolina's Taylor Hall (71) as he prepares to shoot in the first period of the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., Sunday, June 14, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Carolina Hurricanes right wing Jackson Blake (53) assists goalie Brandon Bussi (32) with a save in the second period against Vegas, during Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final, on Sunday, June 14, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV.
Carolina Hurricanes right wing Jackson Blake (53) assists goalie Brandon Bussi (32) with a save in the second period against Vegas, during Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final, on Sunday, June 14, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Carolina Hurricanes right wing Jackson Blake (53) shoots on Vegas goalie Carter Hart (79) in the first period during Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final, on Sunday, June 14, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV.
Carolina Hurricanes right wing Jackson Blake (53) shoots on Vegas goalie Carter Hart (79) in the first period during Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final, on Sunday, June 14, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Carolina's Jalen Chatfield (5) checks Vegas’ Brett Howden (21) during the first period of the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., Sunday, June 14, 2026.
Carolina's Jalen Chatfield (5) checks Vegas’ Brett Howden (21) during the first period of the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., Sunday, June 14, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Fans cheered before the first goal during a Stanley Cup finals game 6 watch party at Smoky Hollow on June 14, 2026, in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Fans cheered before the first goal during a Stanley Cup finals game 6 watch party at Smoky Hollow on June 14, 2026, in Raleigh, North Carolina. Ben Pennington ben.pennington@newsobserver.com
Carolina's Brandon Bussi (32) makes the save during the first period of the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., Sunday, June 14, 2026.
Carolina's Brandon Bussi (32) makes the save during the first period of the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., Sunday, June 14, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Carolina's Jackson Blake (53) brings the puck up as Vegas' Brayden McNabb (3) and Vegas’ Mark Stone (61) defend during the first period of the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., Sunday, June 14, 2026.
Carolina's Jackson Blake (53) brings the puck up as Vegas' Brayden McNabb (3) and Vegas’ Mark Stone (61) defend during the first period of the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., Sunday, June 14, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Carolina Hurricanes left wing Taylor Hall (71) shoots on Vegas goalie Carter Hart (79) with Vegas center Jack Eichel’s stick under his arm, in the first period during Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final, on Sunday, June 14, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV.
Carolina Hurricanes left wing Taylor Hall (71) shoots on Vegas goalie Carter Hart (79) with Vegas center Jack Eichel’s stick under his arm, in the first period during Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final, on Sunday, June 14, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Vegas center Jack Eichel (9) is called for a penalty as he tries to slow Carolina Hurricanes left wing Taylor Hall (71) in the first period during Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final, on Sunday, June 14, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV.
Vegas center Jack Eichel (9) is called for a penalty as he tries to slow Carolina Hurricanes left wing Taylor Hall (71) in the first period during Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final, on Sunday, June 14, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Officials work to keep the peace as Carolina Hurricanes center Sebastian Aho (20) is knocked to the ice in the first period of Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final, on Sunday, June 14, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV.
Officials work to keep the peace as Carolina Hurricanes center Sebastian Aho (20) is knocked to the ice in the first period of Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final, on Sunday, June 14, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Carolina's Sean Walker (26) passes the puck while defended by Vegas’ Braeden Bowman (42) during the first period of the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., Sunday, June 14, 2026.
Carolina's Sean Walker (26) passes the puck while defended by Vegas’ Braeden Bowman (42) during the first period of the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., Sunday, June 14, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Brendon Penner (center) celebrates with fans at a watch party at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh after the the Canes scored to go up 1-0 over Vegas in the first period of game six of the Stanley Cup Championship.
Brendon Penner (center) celebrates with fans at a watch party at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh after the the Canes scored to go up 1-0 over Vegas in the first period of game six of the Stanley Cup Championship. Kaitlin McKeown kmckeown@newsobserver.com
Carolina Hurricanes left wing Taylor Hall (71) scores on Vegas goalie Carter Hart (79) in the first period to take 1-0 lead during Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final, on Sunday, June 14, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV.
Carolina Hurricanes left wing Taylor Hall (71) scores on Vegas goalie Carter Hart (79) in the first period to take 1-0 lead during Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final, on Sunday, June 14, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
The Carolina Hurricanes Carolina's Taylor Hall (71) celebrates after scoring to put the Canes up 1-0 in Game 6 in Las Vegas.
The Carolina Hurricanes Carolina's Taylor Hall (71) celebrates after scoring to put the Canes up 1-0 in Game 6 in Las Vegas. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Carolina Hurricanes center Logan Stankoven (22) celebrates with left wing Taylor Hall (71) after Hall’s goal in the first period during Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final, on Sunday, June 14, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV.
Carolina Hurricanes center Logan Stankoven (22) celebrates with left wing Taylor Hall (71) after Hall’s goal in the first period during Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final, on Sunday, June 14, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Carolina's Sean Walker (26) passes the puck while defended by Vegas’ Braeden Bowman (42) during the first period of the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., Sunday, June 14, 2026.
Carolina's Sean Walker (26) passes the puck while defended by Vegas’ Braeden Bowman (42) during the first period of the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., Sunday, June 14, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Carolina Hurricanes fans react during a Game 6 Stanley Cup Final watch party in Raleigh’s Smoky Hollow district on Sunday, June 14, 2026, as the Hurricanes face the Vegas Golden Knights in Las Vegas.
Carolina Hurricanes fans react during a Game 6 Stanley Cup Final watch party in Raleigh’s Smoky Hollow district on Sunday, June 14, 2026, as the Hurricanes face the Vegas Golden Knights in Las Vegas. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com
Carolina Hurricanes fans react during a Game 6 Stanley Cup Final watch party in Raleigh's Smoky Hollow district on Sunday, June 14, 2026, as the Hurricanes face the Vegas Golden Knights in Las Vegas.
Carolina Hurricanes fans react during a Game 6 Stanley Cup Final watch party in Raleigh's Smoky Hollow district on Sunday, June 14, 2026, as the Hurricanes face the Vegas Golden Knights in Las Vegas. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com
Gabriel Carrier watches her father William Carrier (28) warm up with the Carolina Hurricanes prior to Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final, on Sunday, June 14, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV.
Gabriel Carrier watches her father William Carrier (28) warm up with the Carolina Hurricanes prior to Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final, on Sunday, June 14, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Nicholas Torri and his father Bill Torri of Clayton, N.C., watch the Carolina Hurricanes warm up for Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final, on Sunday, June 14, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV.
Nicholas Torri and his father Bill Torri of Clayton, N.C., watch the Carolina Hurricanes warm up for Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final, on Sunday, June 14, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Nicholas Torri and his father Bill Torri of Clayton, N.C., watch the Carolina Hurricanes warm up for Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final, on Sunday, June 14, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV.
Nicholas Torri and his father Bill Torri of Clayton, N.C., watch the Carolina Hurricanes warm up for Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final, on Sunday, June 14, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jalen Chatfield (5) warms up for Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final, on Sunday, June 14, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV.
Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jalen Chatfield (5) warms up for Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final, on Sunday, June 14, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Carolina Hurricanes fans react as the Vegas Knights and Carolina Hurricanes take to the ice for pre-game warm-ups ahead of Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final, on Sunday, June 14, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV.
Carolina Hurricanes fans react as the Vegas Knights and Carolina Hurricanes take to the ice for pre-game warm-ups ahead of Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final, on Sunday, June 14, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Canes fans pose with their towel before the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., Sunday, June 14, 2026.
Canes fans pose with their towel before the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., Sunday, June 14, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Canes fans greet each other before the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., Sunday, June 14, 2026.
Canes fans greet each other before the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., Sunday, June 14, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com

This story was originally published June 14, 2026 at 7:54 PM with the headline "The Canes take the Stanley Cup!."

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