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We were all on edge.
The Golden Knights had pulled their keeper.
They were going full force to score and had a few good chances.
And then...
Nikolaj Ehlers sent the puck into an open net and the room exploded.
A dozen or so folks from their 60s to their teens all yelled and cheered at the same time.
For those people in Carolina who have been living under a rock, that was Sunday night when our Hurricanes clinched their second Stanley Cup in franchise history with a 3-0 win over the Vegas Golden Knights.
Those who are interested in sports have probably read as my friend and fellow columnist, David Friedman, implored readers to check out Carolinas NHL team especially as the playoffs began.
I was late to the party and Ill admit that, even though Ive watched a lot of Hurricanes hockey in the past, I didnt give this team the attention they deserved.
By game two of the finals, I was fully invested.
I couldnt have told you a player on the Golden Knights roster before the series began, but I knew exactly which ones I didnt like very quickly.
I suffered in heart-break as we rallied from a four-goal deficit in Game Three only to lose in overtime.
I celebrated when Sebastian Aho finally scored on an amazing shot in Game Five.
Then came Sunday when a group of about 12 of us gathered to watch as the Carolina Hurricanes sent hockey purists into a fit of devastation.
They hate seeing southerners win the Stanley Cup.
Not only did the Hurricanes play great hockey, guided by an exceptional coach, but they provided storylines and moments to absolutely fall in love with this group.
Frederik Andersen is a 36-year-old goaltender who absolutely dominated the early playoffs for Carolina.
Opponents simply couldnt get the puck past him.
The Stanley Cup playoffs didnt go that way for him.
He seemed tired and maybe a step slow.
So, trailing 4-0 in the aforementioned Game Three, Hurricanes coach Rod BrindAmour inserted Brandon Bussi, who hadnt played in six weeks.
He never came out of goal again.
He was, in a word, spectacular.
To make the story better, when interviewed after the game Bussi was asked about Anderson and said we wouldnt have been here without him.
If that doesnt make you love both guys, I dont know what will.
While my favorite player is a toss up between Aho and Jordan Staal, my favorite person associated with the Hurricanes is BrindAmour.
He has led the team to both Stanley Cups one as a player and now as a coach.
His tenacity, no-nonsense attitude and love for the Hurricanes make him special in sports.
Ive said repeatedly he is the most popular coach in North Carolina because hes on everyone can agree on.
I dont know whats next for the Carolina Hurricanes.
Will Andersen and Stall both retire? Will contracts expire? Will the team be the same? All of that is yet to be determined, but for now Hurricanes fans can celebrate.
It is indeed a wonderful experience.
And whatever happens, Ill be tuning in a lot earlier next year.
Go Hurricanes!.