Coach Chris Boyd arrived with assistant John Plumtree and they've managed to take this team to the semifinals during their first year in charge.
They compiled a 14-2 winning record and can push through to their first grand final since 2006 with victory over the Brumbies in Wellington tomorrow night.
But quantifying their rise is tricky; there's no one reason why they've ascended to the top of the tree. "I don't think there's a silver bullet and there's not one answer," Boyd said.
One of the goals the team had at the start of the year was winning the public back after some turbulent seasons where people fell out of love with the Hurricanes.
They've voted with their feet and tomorrow's semifinal should be a sell-out, a rare sight at the Cake Tin for a game of rugby that doesn't involve the All Blacks.
"Respect is a fickle thing," Boyd said. "It's very easy to lose and it's hard to get back ... and you can lose it overnight if you get it wrong."
Captain Conrad Smith - the longest-tenured Hurricane - has been a part of the best and worst times at the franchise and said the building blocks were laid during the past few years. Hammett was a key cog in establishing those foundations but his contribution may be glossed over by many.
"We've worked really hard as a group for the past two or three years and I just honestly think it's the result of a lot of hard work and it's not just this year," Smith said.
Key players have come of age. Forwards Brad Shields, Dane Coles and James Broadhurst have all accumulated more than 50 caps and their experience has been invaluable this season. Plumtree, who looks after the forwards and defence, is also a sharp coaching mind.
Barrett and Perenara are perhaps the best inside back combination in Super Rugby. Ma'a Nonu's return to Wellington has been crucial, too. It's not out of the question to say he has been the best New Zealand back in Super Rugby this year.
The formula has required a number of ingredients but the Hurricanes finally have the right mix.
5 defining moments of the Canes' season
1. Re-signing Ma'a Nonu
This has been one heck of a swansong for the veteran midfielder. Nonu was sent packing by former coach Mark Hammett at the end of 2011 and endured a nomadic existence in Super Rugby as he bounced between the Blues and the Highlanders. But Chris Boyd threw Nonu a lifeline to return to the capital and he was named the Hurricanes' player of the year at their awards night last week.
2. The Plumtree effect
John Plumtree is undeniably an influential forwards coach. The Hurricanes pack has reached a new level this season under his guidance. Plumtree's working relationship with coach Boyd has helped spur this side along in 2015.
3. The trip to South Africa
Going on the road to start the season can work in your favour and the Hurricanes beat the Lions and Bulls in the Republic, which gave the side confidence. They then hammered the Force in Perth on the way home for a perfect 3-0 start and things only got better from there.
4. NMS's emergence
Keen observers would have noted the efforts of Nehe Milner-Skudder during Manawatu's run to the Championship title in last year's ITM Cup. The outside back has taken those talents to Super Rugby. His quick feet and offloading ability have been crucial for the Canes.
5. Beating the Chiefs
The Hurricanes were, arguably, lucky to sneak past the Chiefs 22-18 in round 14 as some odd refereeing calls marred the final stages, but this win confirmed they were the real deal. Closing out tight games hasn't been a feature of the Hurricanes recently but they showed plenty of heart in this one.
