About us

The Carolina Gayniacs is a local LGBTQ+, inclusive, and anti-racist fan group of the Carolina Hurricanes.

Our passion is to create a community fostered by a shared love for the game in a larger sports culture that hasn’t always held space for us. We bring laughter, love, and fierce loyalty to the home team we know and love!

We welcome all individuals to join our virtual community and in-person events. Between games and in the post-season, enjoy the continued spirit of camaraderie as we continue to gather to count the days until the next puck drop.

LET’S GO CANES!

Gayniacs Founders

What are personal pronouns and why do they matter?

An agender person with light skin and long brown and blonde hair sticking out their tongue, wearing a black hoodie with a colorful design and text.

Sam

Sam was born and raised near Hartford Connecticut (go Whalers!) and took a pit stop in NY before settling here in NC. Growing up in New England, time on the ice was a big deal whether it be skating lessons or catching a Wolfpack game (boo Rangers). They often watched hockey lessons from the figure skating side of the rink with awe and envy. Their love for hockey was reignited here in NC and with the rise of the PWHL. When not with the Gayniacs you can find Sam gathering with friends around a board game or DND campaign, exploring new parks with their mini Aussie, or curling up with a good book or television show. They are passionate about creating a world that is built on equity, empathy, and community.

They/them
A light skin smiling man with short dark hair and a light beard, wearing a dark gray t-shirt and sunglasses hanging from the collar.

Matt

Matt was born into a hockey family in the Los Angeles area- where he was able to play the sport competitively throughout his childhood. After moving away for college, Matt returned to SoCal to work for the Anaheim Ducks- teaching thousands of kids and adults in the region the fundamentals of street, inline, and ice hockey as part of the Ducks Learn to Play Programs.

Matt has called the Triangle home since 2018. In that time, he has managed to find ways to stay involved with the game he loves- he was on the Carolina Hurricanes ice crew for 5 seasons, worked in hockey broadcasting with Durham based SMT for 1 season, and was the assistant coach for a 14U team for 1 season.

Outside of hockey Matt enjoys traveling, exploring the local culinary scene, and quiet time at home listening to a growing collection of records, assembling Legos, and reading books.

He/him
A nonbinary Black person with short, curly pink hair and glasses taking a selfie inside a vehicle, smiling brightly with a sunny outdoor background visible through the windows. 
They/them

Dana

Dana is a Black queer Carolina Hurricanes fan who has lived in North Carolina for this entire millennia (aka since 2000). They’ve been in an on-again-off-again relationship with the Canes for several years, before deciding to go steady in 2026. Dana’s favorite thing about the Hurricanes is their aggressive defensive play and their goalie team. Outside of watching hockey, Dana’s interests include cooking, crafting, reading, staying active, watching drag, and being a menace to society by disrupting harmful systems through mutual aid.

Person in sunglasses and a denim jacket holding a pumpkin outdoors with a Fall background. 
She/they

Mel

Mel is a Canes fan originally from Charlotte, NC. After graduating from NC State (Go Pack!), she spent several years in Brooklyn cheering for the Canes from afar. North Carolina has always been home, so they are thrilled to be back in Raleigh and at NCSU for graduate school. Mel is a public historian with a focus in Irish Studies. They are passionate about community & memory studies, accessible scholarship, and sharing authority on knowledge. When not hitting the archives or hanging with the Gayniacs, she enjoys creative writing, traveling, and a good, rambling walk. Hairicíní abú!