The Carolina Hurricanes will host their 11th annual season kick-off event, the Caniac Carnival at the RBC Center on Saturday, Sept. 18.

RALEIGH, NC – The National Hockey League’s Carolina Hurricanes will host their 11th annual season kick-off event, the Caniac Carnival presented by 99.9 The Fan and Mix 101.5, at the RBC Center on Saturday, Sept. 18 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. This year’s Carnival will feature activities for fans of all ages including inflatable rides, interactive games and booths, live music, Hurricanes practices and autograph sessions with select Hurricanes players presented by RBC Bank. The United States Marine Corps will also be on site as a participating partner, and parking and admission to the event are free of charge for all fans.

The Carnival will begin at 9 a.m. with the rookie practice and wristband distribution for the autograph sessions. Fans can also sign up for the Crazy Caniac Challenge II, which will consist of completing a lap around the RBC Center, eating two hot dogs and drinking a 12-ounce Pepsi product, and then finishing a final lap. All competitors will receive a Crazy Caniac T-shirt and the grand prize winner will receive two, 12-game plans for the 2010-11 season. The race will begin at 10 a.m., and all proceeds from the $15 entry fee will benefit the Carolina Hurricanes Kids ‘N Community Foundation.

On-stage player and coach interviews will take place at 11:15 a.m. Players will be available to sign autographs in two sessions, from 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. and 1:45 p.m.-3 p.m. inside the arena. The second team practice will also take place at 11:30 a.m., featuring the Hurricanes’ veteran players.

For more information regarding the 11th annual Caniac Carnival, please visit www.CarolinaHurricanes.com

The Carolina Hurricanes will open their 2010 exhibition schedule on Sept. 21 at the RBC Center against the Florida Panthers. Carolina will begin its 2010-11 regular-season campaign with back-to-back games against the Minnesota Wild in Helsinki, Finland, on Oct. 7-8, as a part of the 2010 Compuware NHL Premiere. For information on 2010-11 Carolina Hurricanes ticket packages, please visit http://www.CarolinaHurricanes.com , or call 1-866-NHL-CANES.