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ECHL Charlotte Checkers

Charlotte Metro Hockey Association Launched

February 16, 2009 - ECHL (ECHL)
Charlotte Checkers News Release


Charlotte, N.C- The Charlotte Checkers, Pineville Icehouse and The Extreme Ice Center have joined forces to create the Charlotte Metro Hockey Association (CMHA) that will begin operation for the 2009-10 hockey season.

The aim of the association is to provide a comprehensive hockey program that positively encourages the growth of hockey in the Charlotte Metro area. The program will provide an umbrella by which all youth hockey will fall including the Metro House League, travel program and the Junior B program. This unified development model presents the best opportunity for young hockey players in the region to grow their game at a pace that is appropriate to his/her skill level.

The mission statement of the CMHA is as follows:

"To introduce fun and affordable learn-to-play, house and competitive travel ice hockey programs to Charlotte area youth that will inherently lead to the growth of the sport in the region."

The CMHA will operate out of the two existing ice facilities in the Charlotte Metro Area, the Extreme Ice Center in Indian Trail, NC and the Pineville Ice House in Pineville, NC.

The Charlotte Checkers have endorsed the program in its entirety and will provide funding and resources that will enhance the program's offerings.

Chris Mailloux, GM of the Pineville Ice House said, "In conjunction with Extreme Ice, and the Charlotte Checkers, I am really excited to be announcing the formation of the Charlotte Metro Hockey Association. Focusing on the development of young players on the micro level and the growth of the sport on the macro level has tremendous possibilities for game of hockey in the Charlotte area."

Mike Mulhall, general manager of the Extreme Ice Center echoed Mailloux's statement saying, "The potential for the growth of the sport of hockey in the Charlotte region is truly incredible. We are so excited to be working collectively to create programs that put focus on each individual player's overall hockey experience."

Tera Black, COO for the Checkers added, "It has been such a pleasure coming together with the various hockey groups here in Charlotte to put together a plan that will truly support the growth of hockey in the area. The Checker's vision is to one day see a kid born and raised in the Carolinas, come through the CMHA and sign a contract to play with the Checkers or our AHL/NHL affiliate. We feel confident that the parameters of the program that will be run out of Extreme Ice and Pineville Icehouse will provide the very best learning and growth opportunities for the hockey minded youth in this area."

For more information on the Charlotte Metro Hockey Association, please contact the Extreme Ice Center at 704-882-1830.

The Checkers are playing in their 16th season of play as a member of the ECHL. The next home game will take place Feb. 17 against the Florida Everblades at 7:00pm. In the team's 15-year history, the Checkers have made the playoffs 11 times including four consecutive playoff appearances to date. The Checkers are in their fourth season of play at Time Warner Cable Arena.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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