WRAL and FOX 50 Will Broadcast Hurricanes Games

Ten Carolina Hurricanes games will air on local television stations during the upcoming 2026-27 hockey season.

Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Hockey

WRAL and FOX 50 Will Broadcast Hurricanes Games

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WRAL and FOX 50 are scheduled to broadcast 10 Carolina Hurricanes regular-season games throughout the 2026-27 season. The first of these televised matchups at the Lenovo Center will take place on October 2, 2026.

Why it matters

This broadcast package expands local viewership access to Hurricanes games via the team-produced Hurricanes Hockey Network feed. These over-the-air broadcasts provide fans in Raleigh with consistent access to game-day coverage throughout the season.

The broadcast series, titled Saturday Night Hockey on WRAL, will feature 10 regular-season games. Most broadcasts are slated for 7 p.m., while the final game against the New Jersey Devils on April 3, 2027, will start at 5 p.m.

The players

Carolina Hurricanes

The Carolina Hurricanes are a professional ice hockey team based in Raleigh that competes in the National Hockey League.

Mike Maniscalco

Mike Maniscalco is a veteran sportscaster who serves as a primary announcer for the Hurricanes Hockey Network broadcasts.

Tripp Tracy

Tripp Tracy is a longtime television color commentator and former professional goaltender associated with the Hurricanes broadcasts.

The details

The Hurricanes Hockey Network will produce the feed for these games, featuring announcers Mike Maniscalco and Tripp Tracy. Nine of the 10 games are planned for Saturday nights, airing across the two Raleigh-based stations.

Timeline

  1. October 2, 2026: The first broadcast game against the Washington Capitals.

  2. April 3, 2027: The final scheduled broadcast game against the New Jersey Devils.

Season Trajectory

This deal allows the Hurricanes to maintain high visibility in the local market during a crowded NHL season. The consistent broadcast schedule strengthens the team's reach in the Raleigh area and provides reliable viewership options for the home crowd.

Viewers can watch 10 regular-season games for free over-the-air on WRAL or FOX 50 without needing a cable subscription. The specific channel designation for each game will be confirmed as the season progresses.

The takeaway

This partnership highlights how professional teams are leveraging local broadcast networks to ensure wider accessibility for their fan base. Fans should check local listings regularly as game times and specific channel assignments are finalized for the season.

Further reading

For more on local coverage and team updates, see Hockey.

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