Stepping inside Jacob Emmons’ home is like walking into a museum dedicated to the Carolina Hurricanes.
The collection traces both the team’s milestones and Emmons’ own life, from his earliest memories of the franchise to his hopes of seeing another Stanley Cup victory.
“My very first memory when I was 3 years old in 2006 … My grandparents, me with my little mini stick, hitting it around. And then I went to the parade afterwards,” Emmons said.
You could say Emmons was raised as a Caniac. His interest in hockey began early and quickly grew.
“You know, when Jacob was even very young, I would catch him reading the NHL rulebook. And, he chose the Hockey Hall of Fame over Disney World when he was 8 years old,” his mother said.
Over time, his childhood bedroom filled with Hurricanes memorabilia. Jerseys, goal-scoring pucks, and playoff banners accumulated as he attended practices, met players and added item after item to his collection.
“And then Jacob Slavin became my favorite player. So he was my main collector’s item with a lot of his stuff and jerseys,” Emmons said.
His collection now includes rare and unusual items, many tied to specific players and moments in team history.
My life goal is to be there when we raise the Stanley Cup. So if I make it that far and have a chance to win it, I’ll definitely be there.
“And just anything Slavin. Hopefully one day, I’ll get everything game-worn and used possible from him. Then I also have Jordan Staal’s game-used pants from the Stadium Series that I got at the yearly yard sale one year. So that was probably my most strangest, but awesomest, thing that I have,” he said.
Hockey fandom runs in Emmons’ family. His uncle introduced his mother to the sport, and when the Hartford Whalers relocated to North Carolina to become the Hurricanes, they embraced the team together.
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“We did. We had season tickets. And it’s absolutely some of the most special memories that Jacob and I have together is going to those playoff games,” his mother said.
As the years passed, life brought changes. The family eventually gave up season tickets as Emmons went to college. The room once known as the “Canes Cave” has since been converted into a home gym by his parents, now empty nesters.
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Emmons, who got married last year, plans to bring his collection with him to his new home. His wife has come to appreciate his passion for the sport.
“Yeah. Yeah. She’d never watched a hockey game in her life before she met me, but I think she’s a big fan now, and so she understands,” he said.
Emmons continues to expand his collection, dedicating both time and money to finding new additions.
“Ask for eBay gift cards and, yeah, search Carolina Hurricanes, newly listed, at least like five or 10 times a day when I’m bored,” Emmons said.
For his family, the Hurricanes represent more than a team — they are a source of connection and joy.
“And just to see something, you know, I think right now we all just need something to be happy about. And this is joyful, and it’s so much fun and very excited, for what’s coming up,” his mother said.
Emmons hopes his lifelong devotion will one day come full circle, mirroring his first memory as a 3-year-old at a championship parade.
“Yeah, my life goal is to be there when we raise the Stanley Cup. So if I make it that far and have a chance to win it, I’ll definitely be there,” he said.
In Mebane, his collection stands as both a tribute to the Hurricanes and a record of a fan’s enduring passion.
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