Opening up tryouts last night at the RBC Center, the Carolina Hurricanes’ Storm Squad is coming off a season where it boasted a roster containing 10 N.C. State-affiliated members out of the 14-person team.

According to Mari Jeter, Storm Squad Promotions and Fan Development Coordinator, six alumni and four current students were on the squad last year.

“As of right now, at least 15 people out of the 80 registered participants have some affiliation with N.C. State, judging by their Unity e-mail addresses they used to register,” Jeter said.

Junior and second-year Storm Squad member Kelsey Moore said she was excited about beginning tryouts, which took place from 5:30 to 8:30 Monday night, and the upcoming year. Monday’s tryouts were the first round while Thursday’s tryouts, which will be held from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., are for final selections.

“We’ve retained a lot of people, but a lot of new people are coming in too,” Moore said.

Amanda Busick, a junior and second-year member of the squad, is optimistic about the possibility of having new faces on the team.

“There will be a lot of new members, and the turnout will be high,” Busick said. “It’s great to get people from all over the Triangle and to have that diversity, but I think it’s awesome and wonderful that more N.C. State people are coming out.”

The location of the RBC Center plays a major part in having students become a large part of the Storm Squad, according to Busick.

“With the relative location of N.C. State and where the Hurricanes are at, and the fact that a lot of Carolina Hurricanes fans are N.C. State fans as well, it kind of correlates,” Busick said.

Moore said a large reason for students trying out for the squad was because of the experience and the involvement within the community.

“It’s one of those chances that you never get, and it’s an amazing opportunity,” Moore said. “You have such a strong presence in the community, and it’s a great student activity.”