Checkers Sign Left Wing, Announce Training Camp Schedule and Exhibitions
September 25, 2002 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Charlotte Checkers News Release
Charlotte, NC (September, 2002) - The Charlotte Checkers announce today the signing of a tryout agreement with Japanese forward Takahito Suzuki. The 27 year old has played the past three seasons for Kokudo, a professional team in the Japan League. Don MacAdam, Checkers Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations, commented on the signing of Suzuki. "Even though Takahito is being signed to a tryout agreement at this time, we feel he will very likely win a spot on our roster for the coming season. Al Conroy (Former Checkers' Assistant Coach) played with him in Japan and says he can definitely help us offensively and be effective in this league."
Suzuki has averaged over a point a game during his last three seasons with Kokudo, and notched 109 penalty minutes in only 31 games last season. He was also named the Japan Ice Hockey League "Rookie of the Year" after his inaugural 1999-2000 professional season. "He is very quick and tenacious with good offensive skills," remarked Kokudo Assistant Coach, Chris Wakabayashi. "If he adapts to the North American style, he should contribute to the Checkers' success."
Nine players have been signed by the Checkers for the 2002-03 season including Eduard Pershin, Walker McDonald, Kurt Seher, Vince Malts, Kevin Caulfield, Allan Egeland, Nick Bilotto, Konrad McKay, and Ryan Murray.
CHECKERS TRAINING CAMP SCHEDULE:
Checkers' Head Coach Don MacAdam and Assistant Coach Derek Wilkinson will welcome 20 plus players to the team's opening of training camp on Monday, September 30 at Cricket Arena. Players will report for physicals on Sunday, September 29. The first training session is scheduled for 10:00 am on Monday, and all training sessions are open to the public.
CHECKERS EXHIBITION GAME SCHEDULE:
The Checkers will play two, full-game, exhibitions and three mini-game exhibitions in preparation for their tenth season in the East Coast Hockey League. The exhibition season kicks off at home when Charlotte will host the defending ECHL champion Greenville Grrowl on Friday, October 4th at Cricket Arena at 7:30 pm.
On Saturday, October 5 the Checkers will participate in the "Dog Day Challenge" at the BI-LO Center in Greenville, South Carolina. Charlotte will join the Greenville Grrowl, Roanoke Express and Greensboro Generals in an all-day, 4 V 4 mini-game scrimmage. The Checkers will play three games in all, beginning with a 12 Noon clash with Roanoke. At 2:00 pm Charlotte will take on Greensboro, and the "Dog Day Challenge" will close with an 8:00 pm battle between the Checkers and Grrowl.
After an off day on Sunday, October 6 the Checkers will close out their exhibition slate with a 7:30 pm game against the Greensboro Generals in Greensboro on Monday, October 7. The game will be played at the Generals' practice arena, The Ice House, located at 6119 Landmark Blvd. in Greensboro. The Monday, October 6 exhibition game in Greensboro is open to the public with an admission charge of $5.00.
TICKET INFO: Individual game tickets for all 36 Checkers' regular season home games are on sale now and may be purchased through Ticketmaster via phone at (704) 522-6500, via website, www.ticketmaster.com, or in person at the Cricket Arena Box Office located at 2700 E. Independence Boulevard in Charlotte (704) 335-3100. Group Tickets, Mini-Plans and Season Tickets also remain on sale. Specific ticket information can be obtained by calling the Checkers' office (704) 342-4423.
FIRST EXHIBITION GAME: Greenville Grrowl at Charlotte â Friday, October 4 @ Cricket Arena at 7:30 pm.
HOME OPENER: Greenville Grrowl at Charlotte â Friday, October 11 @ Cricket Arena at 7:30 pm.
The Charlotte Checkers enter their tenth season as members of the East Coast Hockey League, who celebrate their 15th anniversary this season. The team is owned by Carl Scheer and Felix Sabates. The Checkers play all home games at Cricket Arena. For more information on Charlotte's professional hockey team, please visit www.gocheckers.com, or call (704) 342-4423.
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American Hockey League Stories from September 25, 2002
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- Checkers Sign Left Wing, Announce Training Camp Schedule and Exhibitions - Charlotte Checkers
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- Flames October and November Game Tickets to Go on Sale September 28 - Saint John Flames
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