RALEIGH, NC – Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal and his wife, Heather, today issued the following statement:

“This has been a longer road than most people know. Our little Hannah had a terminal birth defect. While we prayed for a miracle, or even a few more minutes with her, she came into this world stillborn. Nonetheless, we are still very thankful for our short time with her.

“My wife and I have been absolutely amazed by the support we’ve received from our friends, family and the whole hockey community. We just wanted to say thank you.”

Jordan Staal re-joined the Hurricanes in Philadelphia today, and is expected to play in tomorrow night’s game against the Flyers (7 p.m., FOX Sports Carolinas, Hurricanes Radio Network). The Hurricanes return home after the game, and host the New Jersey Devils at PNC Arena on Friday at 7:30 p.m.