By Jordan Meadows
Staff Writer
Mike Whiting, affectionately known across the Triangle as “Big Mike,” is more than just a familiar face at Carolina Hurricanes games—he’s the heartbeat of the fan experience, a beloved preschool teacher, and a local hero whose impact spans classrooms, arenas, and countless hearts.
Raised in Cary, North Carolina, Mike grew up as one of the few Black families in the area, where he developed a love for hockey after being hooked by a video game as a child. That spark grew into a lifelong passion, and in 2002, he officially joined the Carolina Hurricanes as a team ambassador.
Since then, his energy, laughter, and presence have become synonymous with Canes home games. Fans know him as the horn-blowing, crowd-rallying, joy-spreading superfan who has helped transform the face of hockey in North Carolina.
“When I first started coming, it was all white people here,” Mike said. “Now I look around and there’s a mix of people everywhere... Maybe that’s due in part to me.”
And it’s true—Mike has played a significant role in making the sport more welcoming, helping diversify the stands and amplify Black voices in a sport that has traditionally lacked representation.
Before his rise in the sports world, Mike made a name for himself on NC State’s campus as “Mean Gene the Dancing Machine,” a sideline sensation during basketball games, and as “Mic Man” for Wolfpack football. His ability to hype up crowds with dance and personality eventually caught the attention of the Hurricanes, leading to his ambassador role with the Storm Squad.
But off the court and ice, Mike’s true calling has always been in the classroom. Since 2000, he has worked as a preschool teacher, giving his heart daily to children and families. He is known for his generosity and the selflessness he instills in his students.
Each year on his birthday, he organizes donation drives in lieu of gifts—collecting toys, socks, blankets, and even underwear for local hospitals and children’s charities.
“Each year for my birthday, I have the kids bring in things in lieu of presents—items to help the local hospital or a kids’ charity,” Mike explained. His “Operation Undercover” campaign alone collected hundreds of essential clothing items.
Now, after decades of lifting others, Mike needs help himself. He is facing a number of serious health and housing challenges, including the need for a double hip replacement, extensive dental work, and mobility support in his home. Due to traumatic dental experiences in his youth, Mike suffers from severe dental anxiety, which now complicates his treatments. His high blood pressure spikes during procedures, requiring general anesthesia—which insurance won’t fully cover.
The untreated dental issues are now threatening his heart health. On top of that, his hips are deteriorating to the point of constant pain, and he needs a heavy-duty lift chair to sleep properly. His mobility scooter is also breaking down, and being out of warranty, repairs or replacement are costly. As these challenges mount, Mike has been forced to do something he never imagined—ask for help.
“It’s truly out of my comfort zone to ask for help,” he said, “but I’ve reached a point where it’s essential. I’ve always strived to be a helper and a giver. It’s humbling to now be on the receiving end of support.”
The community response has been nothing short of incredible.
Jan Cooper started a GoFundMe that raised over $50,000 in less than a week. Support has poured in from all directions: the Carolina Hurricanes organization, NC State alumni, former students and their families, fellow teachers, and fans from across the hockey world.
The Hurricanes featured his story on their "Amplifying Black Voices" CanesCast podcast, celebrating his role in growing the sport and bringing diversity and energy to the fan base. Even casual fans who’ve only caught a glimpse of him dancing or laughing in the stands have reached out to donate, share the fundraiser, or simply say “thank you.”
Mike comes from a legacy of trailblazers—his grandfather, Johnnie Johnson, was the legendary pianist who played with Chuck Berry for over 30 years and was the inspiration behind the classic “Johnny B. Goode.” In many ways, Mike is continuing that legacy: bringing people together through joy, music, and love.
His laugh, which he says once got him pulled over while driving because it was so loud, is a symbol of who he is—a light in every room, every game, every life he touches. Whether he’s firing up the Hurricanes crowd, dancing courtside, or inspiring preschoolers to think of others, Big Mike is always lifting people up.
