While the regular season doesn't begin until Thursday night for the Carolina Hurricanes, their captain is already earning incredible honors for his work and dedication to the organization. On Tuesday, Jordan Staal was honored by NC Governor Josh Stein and bestowed the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the highest civilian honor that can be given by the state's governor.
First created in 1963, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, or simply The Order, has been given to individuals who have made significant contributions to North Carolina and their communities. They're considered honorary North Carolina "ambassadors," though the distinction is not limited to persons born in North Carolina.