Revealed!! Surprising facts people probably didn’t know about Rod Brind’Amour, the head coach of the Carolina Hurricanes

Rod Brind’Amour, the head coach of the Carolina Hurricanes, is well known for his leadership and dedication to the game of hockey. However, there are several surprising and lesser-known facts about him that many people might not be aware of. Here are some fascinating details about Brind’Amour’s life and career:

1. His Unique Nickname and Its Origins

Brind’Amour’s nickname, “Rod the Bod,” comes from his legendary fitness levels. Even during his playing career, he was known for being one of the hardest-working and most physically fit athletes in the NHL. His workout regimen was so intense that he would sometimes train after games, hitting the gym while his teammates were already resting. His dedication to conditioning has continued into his coaching career, where he often leads by example in team workouts.

2. He Once Lived in a Hockey Rink

During his college years at Michigan State University, Brind’Amour took his commitment to hockey to another level. Instead of staying in traditional dormitories, he lived in the hockey arena at Munn Ice Arena. He had a sleeping bag and would sometimes stay overnight in the rink’s lounge area. His reasoning? He wanted to be as close as possible to the ice, giving himself every opportunity to train and improve his skills.

3. He Was Traded for One of the Greatest NHL Players Ever

Many fans know that Brind’Amour was involved in a trade early in his career, but what makes it surprising is who he was traded for. In 1991, the St. Louis Blues sent him to the Philadelphia Flyers in a deal that brought Ron Francis to St. Louis. Francis is considered one of the greatest centers in NHL history and is now a Hall of Famer. Ironically, years later, Francis would become the general manager of the Hurricanes while Brind’Amour was an assistant coach.

4. He Played Through Serious Injuries – Without Anyone Knowing

Brind’Amour had a reputation for being one of the toughest players in the NHL, and he often played through significant injuries without making them public. One of the most notable cases was during the 2006 Stanley Cup Playoffs, where he suffered a broken hand but continued playing at a high level. His perseverance was a key factor in leading the Hurricanes to their first-ever Stanley Cup victory.

5. He Holds a Unique Record in NHL History

Brind’Amour is one of the few players in NHL history to have played over 1,400 games while maintaining an elite two-way game. He finished his career with 1,484 NHL games, making him one of the longest-tenured and most durable players in league history. Even more impressively, he won the Frank J. Selke Trophy (awarded to the NHL’s best defensive forward) twice—in 2006 and 2007.

6. He Was the Last Active Player Drafted in the 1988 NHL Draft

Brind’Amour was selected 9th overall in the 1988 NHL Draft by the St. Louis Blues. While many great players were drafted that year, Brind’Amour was the last player from that draft class to retire, officially hanging up his skates in 2010 after an incredible 20-season career.

7. His Son Skyler Brind’Amour Is Also a Hockey Player

Hockey talent runs in the Brind’Amour family. His son, Skyler Brind’Amour, has followed in his father’s footsteps and is playing professional hockey. He played NCAA hockey at Quinnipiac University, winning the NCAA National Championship in 2023. Skyler was drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in 2017, and though he hasn’t made the NHL yet, he’s continuing to develop his career in the minor leagues.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JANUARY 20: Head coach Rod Brind’Amour of the Carolina Hurricanes looks on against the Chicago Blackhawks during the first period at the United Center on January 20, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)

8. He Took a Huge Pay Cut to Become Head Coach

Brind’Amour’s transition from player to coach was not about money. When he accepted the head coaching job for the Carolina Hurricanes in 2018, he reportedly took a much lower salary than most NHL coaches. His initial contract was one of the lowest-paid coaching deals in the league, but he took it because of his love for the organization and his belief in the team. His passion and leadership quickly transformed the Hurricanes into a powerhouse, and he was rewarded with a well-deserved contract extension in 2021.

9. He Won the Jack Adams Award – But Almost Didn’t Accept It

In 2021, Brind’Amour won the Jack Adams Award, given to the NHL’s best coach. However, he was initially hesitant about accepting the honor because he felt that coaching is a team effort, and he wanted to share the credit with his assistant coaches. He even went as far as saying that his coaching staff should have been recognized along with him.

10. He’s a Dedicated Family Man – and Turned Down Bigger Coaching Offers

Despite his success, Brind’Amour has remained incredibly loyal to the Carolina Hurricanes and has turned down offers from other teams. His reason? Family and loyalty. He has strong ties to North Carolina and didn’t want to uproot his family or leave the organization he helped build.

Rod Brind’Amour’s career and life are filled with incredible stories of dedication, leadership, and perseverance. Whether as a player or a coach, he has always been a respected figure in hockey, and his impact on the sport continues to grow.

11. He Was a Workout Machine – and Even Intimidated His Own Teammates

Brind’Amour’s legendary fitness routine wasn’t just for show—it set the tone for entire teams. Many of his former teammates have said that his work ethic in the gym was so intense that it intimidated even the most seasoned NHL veterans. He was often the first one in and the last one out, regularly lifting weights at 2 or 3 AM after games. His reputation for insane dedication even led to rookies being afraid to work out near him because they couldn’t keep up.

12. He Almost Became an NFL Kicker

Brind’Amour was a standout multi-sport athlete in high school, and he had an opportunity to play college football as a kicker. Despite being known for his strength and endurance in hockey, he also had a powerful and accurate kicking leg. Some college football programs reportedly had interest in him, but his heart was set on hockey, so he stuck with the sport he loved.

13. He Was a “Throwback” Captain Who Led by Example, Not Words

During his time as captain of the Carolina Hurricanes, Brind’Amour wasn’t known for fiery locker room speeches or dramatic pre-game talks. Instead, his leadership came through his relentless work ethic, leading by example rather than words. His teammates have often said that just watching him train, play, and prepare was enough to inspire them.

14. He Has an Interesting French Connection

Despite his French-sounding last name, Brind’Amour is not from Quebec. He was born in Ottawa, Ontario, and raised in British Columbia, far from the French-speaking regions of Canada. However, his last name is indeed French and translates to “branch of love” in English.

15. He’s One of the Few Coaches to Win a Stanley Cup as Both a Player and a Coach (With the Same Team)

Brind’Amour led the Hurricanes to their first-ever Stanley Cup victory in 2006 as team captain. Later, in his coaching career, he led them to multiple deep playoff runs, bringing them back to the NHL’s elite. If he eventually wins a Stanley Cup as head coach, he would join the exclusive club of individuals who won championships with the same team as both a player and a coach.

16. He Once Played for Team Canada With a Broken Foot

Brind’Amour was a warrior on the ice, and he proved it when he represented Team Canada at the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan. Even though he suffered a broken foot before the tournament, he refused to sit out and played through the pain. Canada didn’t win gold that year, but his determination and sacrifice made him one of the most respected players in the locker room.

17. He Nearly Missed the 2006 Stanley Cup Parade

After the Carolina Hurricanes won their first-ever Stanley Cup in 2006, there was a massive celebration in Raleigh. However, Brind’Amour almost missed the championship parade because he was in the gym working out. True to his character, even after achieving the highest honor in hockey, his focus was still on improving and staying in peak condition.

18. He’s a Huge Fan of MMA and Uses It in His Training

Brind’Amour is a big fan of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and incorporates MMA-style workouts into his fitness routine. He believes the discipline, conditioning, and mental toughness required in MMA are similar to hockey, and he has even introduced elements of MMA training to some of his players.

19. He Was One of the Few Players Who Had His Own Custom Helmet

During his playing career, Brind’Amour had a unique custom Bauer helmet that was specifically molded to fit his head. The shape and padding were slightly different from standard NHL helmets, allowing him to feel more comfortable on the ice. This was an uncommon practice at the time and showed his attention to detail regarding performance and safety.

20. He Once Played 92 Games in a Single NHL Season

Most NHL players struggle with the grueling 82-game regular season, but Brind’Amour went even further in 1992-93. That season, he played 92 total games because he was traded mid-season from St. Louis to Philadelphia. The way NHL scheduling worked at the time, he ended up playing an extra 10 games due to differences between the two teams’ schedules.

21. He Refused to Let His Name Be Removed From the Stanley Cup

Brind’Amour played a massive role in leading the Hurricanes to the Stanley Cup in 2006, but in the years that followed, the NHL considered removing his name from the trophy to make space for new champions. He strongly opposed this idea, as he believed that every player and coach who earned the Stanley Cup should have their name permanently engraved. His advocacy helped change NHL policy, ensuring that names stay on the Cup longer before being retired.

22. He Was Known for a Unique Superstition – Keeping the Same Skates for Years

Most NHL players change their skates frequently due to wear and tear, but Brind’Amour wore the same skates for years. He believed that breaking in new skates would throw off his game, so he kept using the same pair until they were almost falling apart. Equipment managers often had to secretly repair them because he didn’t want to switch.

23. He Once Played More Minutes Than His Own Goalie in a Game

In a famous game with the Philadelphia Flyers, Brind’Amour played a staggering 39 minutes—an unheard-of amount for a forward. In that same game, the Flyers’ goalie played less time than him due to being pulled early. This highlights his endurance and how heavily his coaches relied on him.

c24. He’s a Quiet But Fierce Advocate for Youth Hockey

While he doesn’t often seek publicity for it, Brind’Amour is deeply involved in youth hockey development, particularly in North Carolina. Since his retirement, he has worked behind the scenes to grow the sport in non-traditional markets, mentoring young players and helping build programs for future generations.

25. His Pre-Game Meal Never Changed for 20 Years

Brind’Amour was known for eating the exact same pre-game meal for nearly two decades: grilled chicken, pasta, and broccoli. He was highly disciplined about his diet and never deviated from his routine, believing it helped maintain peak performance.

26. He Never Wanted a Coaching Career—Until It Found Him

Despite his leadership skills, Brind’Amour didn’t initially see himself as a coach. After retiring, he thought he would stay out of the game entirely. But the Hurricanes organization recognized his leadership ability and convinced him to join their staff. Over time, he fell in love with coaching and realized it was his true calling.

27. He Still Trains Harder Than Most of His Players

Even as a head coach, Brind’Amour maintains an elite-level training regimen. Many of his players have admitted that their head coach is in better shape than they are. Some even joked that if he put on skates today, he could still compete at an NHL level.

Rod Brind’Amour’s career and personality are filled with dedication, loyalty, and an unmatched work ethic. Whether as a player, captain, or coach, he has always led by example and earned the respect of everyone in the hockey world.