A Legacy On and Off the Ice
Bates Battaglia, a former member of the Carolina Hurricanes’ 2002 Stanley Cup Final roster, recently sat down to reminisce about the team’s historic run and the indelible mark it left on his life.
Playing alongside current head coach Rod Brind'Amour, Battaglia recalls the camaraderie and intensity that defined that season, noting that Brind'Amour’s leadership was a cornerstone of the group’s success.
Off the rink, Battaglia has built a modest business empire in Raleigh, owning two neighborhood bars — Teets and Lucky B's — that pay homage to his family’s past. The name Teets, he explains, is a tribute to his grandfather, Sam “Teets” Battaglia, whose own story intertwines with organized crime.
Sam “Teets” Battaglia, a loan shark who worked with Al Capone in Chicago, looms large in the family narrative, a connection Battaglia acknowledges with a mix of pride and caution. He describes the bar’s name as a way to keep that chapter of history alive while steering clear of its darker implications.
Raleigh’s Hockey Heartbeat
Battaglia paints Raleigh as more than just a city; he calls it a strong hockey town where fans live and breathe the sport. He believes the community’s passion could fuel another championship run for the Hurricanes.
The Hurricanes fell short in 2002, dropping a five‑game series to the Detroit Red Wings, and last lifted the Stanley Cup in 2006. Yet Battaglia remains hopeful, convinced that the franchise’s culture and the city’s dedication will eventually bring the coveted trophy back home.
In reflecting on his post‑hockey life, Battaglia emphasizes the importance of staying connected to the sport’s roots, from the locker room to the local pubs where the next generation of fans gathers.
His story, woven with championship memories, family legacy, and a love for Raleigh’s hockey culture, illustrates how a single player’s journey can echo far beyond the ice.