ECHL Charlotte Checkers

Checkers renew affiliations with Rangers and Wolf Pack

October 5, 2005 - ECHL (ECHL)
Charlotte Checkers News Release


CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Derek Wilkinson, head coach and general manager of the Charlotte Checkers, announced today that the team has renewed its affiliation with the New York Rangers of the NHL and the Hartford Wolf Pack of the AHL.

"We are thrilled to renew our affiliation with the New York Rangers and Hartford Wolf Pack," said Wilkinson. "The number of quality players we receive from Hartford and New York helps us tremendously. It's an honor to help develop their prospects and ultimately help the Rangers reach their goal of winning another Stanley Cup Championship."

The renewal of this affiliation marks the 12th season the Checkers will be affiliated with the New York Rangers.

"We are very happy to be working with the Charlotte organization again this season," stated Rangers president and general manager Glen Sather. "To have a successful operation in the National Hockey League, you must develop continuity and consistency within your affiliates, and I believe we have done just that with the Checkers. They are a first class franchise, dedicated to developing young talent and providing a great product for their fans."

Hartford is the next stop for a prospect on his way from Charlotte to New York and the 2005-06 season will be the ninth in which the Checkers have been affiliated with the Wolf Pack.

"The Hartford Wolf Pack have enjoyed an excellent relationship with the Charlotte Checkers," said Jim Schoenfeld, head coach and general manager of the Wolf Pack. "We work closely with Coach Wilkinson to determine how best to develop our players, and with the NHL back in full swing, I fully expect we will be seeing a number of players making the move between Charlotte and Hartford this season."

The Checkers open the 2005-05 season with players reporting to training camp Thursday and the first on-ice session will be 10:00 am, Friday at Pineville Ice House. The Checkers will play two preseason games vs. the Columbia Inferno. The first game will be 7:00 pm, Friday, October 14th at Columbia and the second will be 1:00 pm, Saturday, October 15th at Pineville Ice House. For a complete training camp schedule, log onto www.gocheckers.com.

About the Charlotte Checkers

The Charlotte Checkers open their 13th season in the ECHL Friday, October 21st at Gwinnett. The Checkers are Bound for Uptown as they will take the St. Lawrence Homes Home Ice at Charlotte Bobcats Arena for the first time Sunday, November 6th against Greenville Grrrowl. Season ticket packages and mini plans are on sale now. To purchase tickets, contact the Charlotte Checkers Ticket Office at 704.342.4ICE (4423). For a complete schedule of games and promotions, log onto www.gocheckers.com.

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