The Carolina Hurricanes have had a good luck charm during their playoff run: a 90-pound miniature potbelly pig named Hamilton. Hamilton the pig, who is actually not named after Dougie Hamilton, lives on a farm near PNC Arena with his human dad, Kyle Eckenrode. Eckenrode first brought Hamilton to hang out at a tailgate outside of PNC Arena before the Canes’ Game Three against the Capitals. The Canes won that game.

In fact, the Canes have won all six games that Hamilton the pig has been in attendance, including Game Seven against the Capitals. During that big game in Hurricanes’ history, Hamilton the pig defied DC Health Department Code and made the road trip up to DC.

It was during Game Seven against the Capitals that Canes fan Leah Adams tweeted that she would get a tattoo of Hamilton the pig if the Canes beat the Capitals. According to Adams, the promise was her “offer to the Hockey Gods.”

The Hockey Gods listened and now Leah has a tattoo of a pig on her thigh.

Adams delivered on her promise on Tuesday, getting Hamilton the pig inked on her leg by artist Sarah Davis.

Debt paid. pic.twitter.com/tpRNXkN4dx

— x – Little Bear Adams (@dumpling_prince) May 7, 2019

Adams said the response to her tattoo so far has been great. “It blew up on twitter a little bit and I think it inspired a couple of other fans to get some fun tattoos too.”

Adams became a Canes fan when she moved to Raleigh with her family in 2001. As a teenager, Adams witnessed the Canes win their first Stanley Cup in 2005-06.

“This playoff run has been really special for me,” Adams said. “It’s not only been super nostalgic for me, but it’s given me the opportunity to help revitalize a fanbase I’m so passionate about. I’ve been teaching friends about the game who typically don’t watch hockey and pulling fans of other teams on the Canes bandwagon!”

The Hurricanes organization adopted a plucky brand of fun this season, most notably their Storm Surges celebrating home wins with antics like playing duck, duck, goose or bowling a strike with human bowling pins.

Similarly, the Canes have embraced their unique good-luck charm, bringing Hamilton the pig onto the ice along with their actual pig mascot, Stormy. The team has even created “Year of the Pig” t-shirts.

Despite having a tattoo of the celebrity pig on her leg, Adams has never actually met Hamilton the pig in person. But Adams may get the chance soon, as she will be at PNC Arena for Game Three as the Hurricanes take on the Boston Bruins in the Eastern Conference Final.

“Hopefully I’ll get to meet the Ham himself!” Adams said.

Headline photo: Leah Adams