Carolina Hurricanes fans packed the Lenovo Center on Tuesday night for the Game 4 watch party, where an on-ice projection system gave the crowd a closer look at the action. It added to the Caniacs excitement.

"That was so cool. I was like is that where the players are," said fan Leah Iudice. Iudice said watching the Hurricanes on the jumbotron while seeing their movements projected onto the ice made the experience feel more immersive. "That's just awesome to follow them along and see where they are on the ice and be able to look up. And that was very cool," she said.

The technology comes from Durham-based company SMT, or Sports Media Technology, which uses tracking devices sewn into players' jerseys and placed inside the puck to create near real-time projections.

"It's great to work with a local partner," said director of event presentation Christine Williams for the Carolina Hurricanes. "Another thing that I think the fans have really latched on to and that's really cool about this particular technology."

Williams said the system gives fans the sense that the game is unfolding right in front of them.

"It provides that feel to that the players could be here. The game could actually be taking place here, but it's not. So it's a very interesting, unique technology," she said. The enhanced watch party experience comes as the Canes return to Raleigh for a pivotal game 5 with the hopes of advancing their lead in the best-of-seven series. Fans said the energy has only intensified after Tuesday's win.

"And being here now and being in the city, it's exciting!" one fan said. "Just look at the coach's expression from Vegas and that tells you the whole story," fan Andrew Ragland said. "That's just something that just comes back and just gives the Canes that experience that we're known for."

Ragland said he believes the team is close to finishing the job. "It's gotten to this point. And as long as we just stick to the game plan, then we're going to go and win it all," he said. Fans gathered outside the arena Wednesday evening as workers added another square to the Stanley Cup progress display atop the building. Longtime fans said the excitement is drawing in newcomers as the team chases its first championship in 20 years.

"No matter who you are, it's if you like fast competition and fun and just you know, seeing a group of guys that are that are that are pulling the same rope, you know, and then check it out," one fan said. Ragland said the fan base's belief has been building for years.

SEE ALSO | Let's go Canes! Superfan's horn becomes the soundtrack of the season

"We've been in the playoffs for so many years and they just got to respect the hustle. So I'll say all aboard the train or on the bus in this case," he said. Game 5 is set for Thursday in Raleigh at the Lenovo Center.

The puck drops at 8:00 p.m. on game nights and you can watch live on ABC11.

There is no questioning the passion of Carolina Hurricanes fans, which has been on full display throughout the team's run to the Stanley Cup Final.

"The city is so energized because of the Hurricanes," said Bryson Karbley.

Karbley is making sure that dedication is now permanent.

When the Hurricanes trailed 2-0 in the third period of Game 2, Karbley took to social media with a pledge.

If the Carolina Hurricanes score two goals to tie the game in the 3rd period I’ll get a warning flag tattoo

— Not Dave Canales (@NotDaveCanales) June 5, 2026

"I was like, if they score two goals and tie the game, I will get a warning flag tattoo," Karbley said.

The Hurricanes rallied and won the game, prompting Karbley to follow through. Two nights later, he made another promise as Carolina faced an even steeper deficit.

"I tweeted if they scored four goals to tie the game, I would get the (Stormy) tattoo," he said.

If the Carolina Hurricanes score 4 goals in the 3rd period to tie the game I’ll get a stormy tattoo. Please, for the love god.

— Not Dave Canales (@NotDaveCanales) June 7, 2026

As the comeback unfolded, Karbley realized he might be adding more ink.

"I leaned over, and my wife and I, when they scored the third goal, and she just turned around, and her jaw dropped, like looking at me. She was like, 'We are going to have to get another tattoo.'"

Karbley, who posts under a pseudonym, said there was never any idea of backing out.

“I wasn't going to not follow through and potentially jinx them.”

Now @NotDaveCanales is heading to Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final, thanks to an assist from Caniacs and the team. He shares the response to his social media promises and support of the Canes on @ABC11_WTVD at 5:30 https://t.co/YwoRmrwMrL

— Michael Perchick (@MichaelPerchick) June 9, 2026

"I wasn't going to not follow through and potentially jinx them," he said.

He worked with a Raleigh tattoo shop to design the artwork, which features a warning flag and a vintage Stormy logo on his bicep.

"I reached out to Cleopatra Ink here in Raleigh with a budget, and they emailed me back and (said), 'No budget. We want to do it for free,'" Karbley said. "They're Caniacs as well, and (said) 'we really enjoy the passion that you have and the commitment."

The tattoos caught the attention of the Hurricanes, who rewarded Karbley with tickets to Game 5 on Thursday at the Lenovo Center.

"I've never been to that big sporting event like a final, a championship, and to do it for the team that I care so much about is so exciting," he said.

Karbley said he's not done yet, leaving space for one more tattoo if the Hurricanes complete their run.

"If they win the Stanley Cup, I'll get the Stanley Cup tattoo."

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