North Carolina Governor Josh Stein has made a bold move, declaring summer 2026 as "Stanley Cup Summer" in a bid to boost enthusiasm for the popular hockey tournament. The proclamation, announced by WNCT, is a nod to the excitement and pride that comes with the Stanley Cup playoffs, where the best teams in the National Hockey League (NHL) compete for the coveted championship. By dubbing summer 2026 as "Stanley Cup Summer," the governor aims to create a sense of community and camaraderie among North Carolinians, encouraging fans to come together to watch and cheer on their favorite teams. With the NHL playoffs typically taking place in the spring and early summer, this proclamation may be an attempt to extend the hockey hype into the warmer months.

Gov. Josh Stein proclaims summer 2026 as Stanley Cup Summer  WNCT