RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — For Carolina Hurricanes star Sebastian Aho, the game of hockey recently took a back seat to something much more important.
“You hold your baby for the first time, it’s the best feeling in the world,” said Aho.
Aho became a father for the first time on Friday, with he and his wife Rosa welcoming their daughter into the Hurricanes family.
“So happy I was able to be there and timing-wise it worked out,” said Aho. “Both mom and baby are happy and healthy and she did an amazing job and I’m really proud of her.”
Babies aren’t known for arriving at ideal times but for Aho, the timing couldn’t have been better. The Canes wrapped up their first round series with New Jersey on Tuesday and have been waiting ever since for round two. Friday’s arrival was good timing.
“How our schedule worked out, we had a little break there so I got to be there the first couple of days and I’m happy for it,” said Aho. “Now we’re in good hands. Both of our moms are in town and they’re going to help the baby and my wife, and for me it’s back to business.”
Going forward the Ahos will have plenty of support, as the Carolina Hurricanes organization is a tight-knit family.
“Outside this room [Canes locker room] there’s an extended family, and we get to know each other’s kids and have fun together when we get away from the rink and enjoy each other’s company,” said Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal.
“We are a big family in there,” said Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour. “It does remind you that life moves quickly and I think we do a good job of staying in the moment and enjoying every day because it goes by quickly.”