Rod Brind’Amour’s Impact Lasts Long After Development Camp Ends

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – MAY 09: Head coach Rod Brind’Amour of the Carolina Hurricanes addresses the team in the locker room after the victory against the New Jersey Devils in Game Four of the Second Round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Prudential Center on May 09, 2023 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Josh Lavallee/NHLI via Getty Images)

At the beginning of last week’s development camp, head coach Rod Brind’Amour addressed his organization’s prospects. (Watch it Here) His speech is one in a long line of speeches from Carolina’s former Stanley Cup-winning captain turned head coach.

Brind’Amour isn’t known for his eloquent words. You won’t find a high school english class interpreting his phrasing or subtle messaging. Rod’s true gift has been a work in progress since he was a preteen waking up for workouts as his father left for work. The legend grew when he attended Michigan State. At the time the team practiced Monday through Thursday. Game days were Friday and Saturday, and recovery was Sunday. Brind’Amour knew he needed to do more than anyone else if he wanted to make it as a full-time NHLer someday. So he hit the weight room while his teammates took their day off. Michigan’s coaching staff responded by locking Brind’Amour out to limit wear and tear on the young player.

Fast forward a few decades and Brind’Amour retires as a Hurricane having earned the title of the hardest-working player in the league. Hurricanes head coach Paul Maurice recognized he belonged behind the bench and convinced a wary Brind’Amour to become a part-time assistant coach for his former team. Maurice saw something in Brind’Amour that few NHL coaches seem to possess. Thanks to Brind’Amour’s long career and well-known work ethic players responded to his message. Rod received buy-in from players who trusted him. Players that knew Brind’Amour had a high hockey IQ. Who knew Brind’Amour had been in many of the same situations and performed at the highest level.

Hurricanes prospect Jackson Black. – Photo courtesy: Mackenzie Friedman/Carolina Hurricanes

“I had chills,” said Jackson Blake on the final day of Development Camp regarding Brind’Amour’s message for prospects. “To see a guy who’s one of the best coaches in the league right now, if not of all time. The way he’s brought this team to greatness. It’s cool to have him talk to you and see what he’s saying to the guys he coaches. I couldn’t be more grateful.”

Blake, who traveled to Morrisville for his second Hurricanes Development Camp says that Brind’Amour’s words have a lasting impact on his play long after camp is over. “I remember (last year’s) we were in the lounge over here and it stuck with me all year. I always thought of it whenever I needed an extra push or something.”

Rod Brind’Amour’s greatest gift as a head coach is his ability to craft a message. He knows what players need to hear. And because he was one of them he knows how to say it in a way that makes them listen.