If you've been to a hockey game, you've likely seen them dressed in black windbreakers, stepping onto the ice to clear buildup from the fast-paced action. They're the Carolina Hurricanes ice crew, a group of dedicated people who play a key role behind the scenes and say this season is one they won't forget.

The crew, made up of about 20 members, prepares the ice and rink for game day, ensuring players have the best possible surface. For members like Robb Wade, the job comes with a unique distinction.

"The only people that get to go on the ice are the players, the officials, and the ice crew. So, we're in a pretty select group there."

Crew members arrive roughly 3 1/2 hours before puck drop, working tirelessly to get the rink ready. During games, they shovel excess ice and operate resurfacing equipment known as the Olympia, often taking the ice during intermissions while players rest.

Longtime crew member Bill Alfano says their work puts them close to the action.

"We get a little bit maybe closer to the action because we put the ice in, and pretty obvious if there's no ice, there's no game. "

Wade says their mission is simple but critical.

"Our job really is to provide the best possible playing surface that we can for the players, and the officials, and to try to help them do the ultimate, you know, the best they can do," he said.

For Alfano, the intensity of the Stanley Cup Final stands out the most.

"When the playoffs get here, it's just bonkers. I mean, it goes up exponentially. And we get to participate in that from a work perspective, but also as a fan. And it's just a lot of fun," he said.

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Game 2 is the one he remembers most.

"When we're down to zero, and it's, I don't know, middle of the third period, and, you know, you can feel the pressure of the moment, said Alfano. "We can't lose this game. And then suddenly it, you know, Stankoven does what he does, and the rest is kind of history."

Wade was a fan watching in the stands in 2006 for the first Stanley Cup victory. This time, he was a part of the ice crew with a front row seat.

"I was a fan in 2006, and I was excited to be just in that atmosphere. It was the craziest sporting atmosphere that I've ever seen," said Wade. "It's just nice to see the whole thing come together, because who knows when it will happen again. You know, I don't expect I'll be shoveling snow in 20 years if it happens again."

Even though the season has wrapped, celebrations continue as the team and staff mark their championship run.

"Getting to celebrate something like this. This is just an awesome occasion for the team and the staff. They've worked incredibly hard."

Wade says being part of the moment, even in a small way, is meaningful.

"I'm just happy just to see it happen twice and be a little very tiny, minuscule part of it," Wade said.

Most members of the ice crew work part-time and return to their regular jobs in the offseason, which include serving in the military and teaching at N.C. State. They also hand-paint the ice, a detail that highlights their commitment to the team and the game.

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Olympic bronze medalist and world champion 1,500-meter runner Jenny Simpson collapsed after suffering a medical episode while pacing a mile group at an event in Raleigh on Tuesday night.

Simpson was briefly without a pulse before bystanders and emergency responders intervened. Emergency medical services arrived quickly, restored her pulse and rushed her to a hospital.

The 39-year-old Simpson was taking part in a community track event hosted by Sir Walter Running, with runners of all levels encouraged to attend. The event featured a chance to meet Simpson.

Simpson, a three-time Olympian and bronze medalist who is widely considered the most accomplished U.S. women's 1,500-meter runner, had been making appearances at running events in the Triangle after becoming chief running officer for Fleet Feet, a Carrboro-based company.

"We are incredibly grateful to the individuals who responded immediately, as well as EMS and the medical professionals who handled the situation with such care, urgency, and professionalism," the "Sir Walter Running Team" wrote on Instagram on Wednesday.

The incident occurred during the Sir Walter Miler, a pop-up event held every Tuesday in June at Williams Stadium at Athens Drive High School that draws runners of all ages to test their fastest mile times. Simpson attended Tuesday's event, cheering on participants and pacing one of the mile groups.

The statement added that "Jenny is receiving excellent medical care, and our thoughts are with her and her family during this time."

Simpson's current health status remains unclear. The organization asked for prayers for Simpson and her family as they hope for the best.

Local running coach Jess Hofheimer, who met Simpson at a small business event Saturday, said she made an immediate impression.

"I said oh my gosh, that's Jenny Simpson. She has made such a huge impact on our sport," Hofheimer said. "And she just, like, jumped right in. It was like we were old friends."

At the event, Simpson was seen encouraging runners, from beginners to older participants, something community members said reflected her love for the sport.

"It's so cool because you know what she's experienced and achieved, and I do think it gives her just as much joy to watch a newbie runner or someone 60 or 70 as it did when she was an Olympian," Hofheimer said.

In the aftermath of the medical episode, members of the local running community expressed concern and support.

"Yeah. I mean, look, like right now I feel like, you know, from the very moment that we realized that she was in distress, like everyone is just coming together to send love and prayers and healing energy, her way to to her to her family," Hofheimer said.

Community members said they plan to support Simpson as she recovers.

"And we are just so grateful for how she has shown up for this for this community and that we are like an army of love and people who are ready to return, not to her in every and any way that that we can now and on the road ahead," Hoffheimer said.

Simpson won the bronze medal in the 1,500 meters at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games. She also won the 1,500 at the 2011 world championships, along with silver medals in 2013 and 2017.

- The Associated Press contributed.

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