Editor’s note: The SportsChannel8 Diary is where we “pass the pen” to someone outside of the SC8 team who can give us a unique perspective. This entry comes from Michelle McMahon who is moving from the Hurricanes broadcast team to the NHL Network. This article originally ran on Section 328, where you’ll find the best Canes coverage for the fans. We wish the best of luck to Michelle in her new venture.
Dear Caniacs,
I wanted to take the time to thank all of you for the amazing experience you gave me this last season. I’m very sad to leave you so soon, but I’m also really flattered and excited for this opportunity with NHL Network.
This opportunity may have come at a surprise for you, as it also did for me. This summer, I was eager to start another season with you and the Canes, knowing the positive direction this franchise is headed. However, when NHL Network came about suddenly, I felt that I had to jump at this once in a lifetime chance to continue to follow my career dreams. Please know that I am forever grateful and proud to have come from this first-class organization. I’m also very excited that I will continue to cover the Canes on NHL Network!
There’s something to be said about a community of people who are so genuinely kind, immediately welcoming, and adamantly passionate about their sport’s team. You all embody just that. The quality I admire the most, is the loyalty of those who support this team though thick and thin. I can tell you with confidence, your playoff time is coming soon. I was lucky enough to interact with front management and the Hurricanes players on a daily basis this last year, and that was enough to convince me great things are happening here. I truly believe in this franchise and in all of you. This team is going in the right direction, and I can also confirm that the guys who fill that Hurricanes locker room are not only talented hockey players, but they are quality people full of high character and integrity, which in my opinion, is even more important for team chemistry and success. Those guys always treated me with respect and I can tell you that every single one of them so badly wants to win for you– their fans. Please continue to believe in them, they genuinely care and they deserve to feel supported.
Canes fans, I truly can’t thank you enough for everything. Thank you for taking me in and making Raleigh a wonderful place to call home. Thank you for making this decision such a difficult one to make. Thank you for your continuous interaction, whether that was stopping by the desk to say hello, sending a friendly tweet on social media, or even allowing me into your tailgate experience! A special thank you to Mike and Derek with Section 328- you guys rock, and made me feel at home from day one (and also to Mike’s wife, Leigh- you have bragging rights to the cutest ginger baby ever, aka Fionn, who will always hold a special place in my heart. I still believe we are heading the REDVOLUTION!!!).
I would also be remiss if I didn’t thank my broadcast partners in crime for helping me every step of the way last year; I wouldn’t be in this position without John Forslund, Tripp Tracy, Shane Willis, and our entire FOX Sports Carolinas crew who put in tireless effort all 82 games, while still making the broadcast experience so fun for me and for you (I hope). I hope you feel lucky to have them, they are some of the best in the business.
When I reflect on my Hurricanes experience, I feel so lucky to have grown with this fan base, you guys have been so good to me, and I can’t say thank you enough for helping me get this far. Thank you for supporting me and for making last season one of the best time’s of my life. I will always root for you and I will miss you!
I’ll leave you with my life motto that continues to guide my path:
Be kind. Be humble. Believe. (And DREAM BIG!)
Thank you for an amazing year, I will never forget my time with you in Carolina.
All the best,
Michelle
