ECHL Charlotte Checkers

Our Team, Our Town, Our Heroes: Checkers Fourth Annual Salute To Heroes

February 25, 2009 - ECHL (ECHL)
Charlotte Checkers News Release


Charlotte, N.C- It is that time of year when the Charlotte Checkers carry on their tradition of honoring members of the local police, sheriff, medic and fire departments/offices and their families with the 4th Annual Salute to Heroes taking place on Sunday, March 8 at 4:00 p.m. at Time Warner Cable Arena when the team battles the Trenton Devils.

The Charlotte Fire Department, Mecklenburg EMS Agency, Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department and Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office are joining forces to help raise funds for families from each organization. The night will also benefit the Hometown Heroes Foundation and many other Heroes related charities. Last year, this event helped raise $20,000.

During the game, the opening ceremony will feature performances from Charlotte Fire Department Pipe and Drum Band, and a repelling performance from CFD High Angle Rescue Team and CMPD Swat. The national anthem will be performed by the Opera Carolina Chorus. During the intermissions, there will be special ceremonies honoring OUR HEROES of present and past.

The kick off for the festivities will begin at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, March 6 with a pep-rally at the Wachovia Plaza on South Tryon Street during which the Fire Department Pipe and Drum Band will perform. Also performing is Noah Rice Tenor from Opera Carolina. In addition several special vehicles will be on displayed including the Checkers Autotrader.com Zamboni, Time Warner Cable Hands Helping Heroes Truck. During this event, the players of the Heroes game will be unveiling their Hockey Sweaters for the upcoming Heroes game. Each year, a different sweater is designed so that they can be sold or auctioned at different public service charity events to help raise additional funds.

After the Checkers game on March 8, the 4th Annual Salute to Heroes game between CMPD/MCSO versus CFD/MEDIC will take place. Last year, the Police and Sheriff's team won by a score of 4-3 in front of a crowd of almost 3,000 which remained to watch after the Checkers game. CFD/MEDIC lead the over all series 2-1.

"The Heroes Hockey Game is quickly becoming a wonderful tradition in this community," said Joe Penner, executive director for medic. "To have the opportunity to participate in an evening dedicated to the tremendous efforts of the men and women who work for these four organizations, each of whom lays it on the line day in and day out, is fantastic. We look forward to a great game and wonderful night for all of our employees and their families."

"I find a no more worthy cause than to support the Families of our members within our Public Safety Arena, especially to those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice," remarked Chief Rodney Monroe.

"Honoring our community heroes is humbling. To be able to witness the outpouring of support from those citizens attending the event and to be able to play a small part in the recognition of our heroes is as gratifying an experience as anything I have ever done," said Mecklenburg County Sheriff Chipp Bailey.

"What a great event. For the fourth year the Charlotte Checkers bring together the best of our area public safety agencies for an evening of competition and recognition," remarked Chief Jon B. Hannan.

Other supporters for the Salute to Heroes Night are: 95.7 The Ride, American Airlines, Autotrader.com, BlackFinn, Charlotte Touchdown Club, Connolly's on 5th, Diamond Springs Water, Dixie's Tavern, Harris Teeter, Hawthorne's NY Pizza and Bar, NOVA Office Strategies, Signs Etc., TW Telecom, FOX Charlotte, News 14 Carolina, WBTV, WCNC, WSOC.

The Checkers would like to give special thanks to John Walsh, Angeline Hartman and the staff of America's Most Wanted.

To purchase tickets please go to www.gocheckers.com/salutetoheroes. Click on the logo of the organization that you would like to support and you will be directed to a purchase page. For more information please contact Maghon Martin or Shawn Lynch at 704-342-4423 or tickets@gocheckers.com.

The Checkers are playing in their 16th season of play as a member of the ECHL. The next home game will take place March 1 against the Mississippi at 5:00pm. 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. Season tickets are on sale now with full-season packages starting at just $200. For season ticket information, please call 704-342-4-ICE or visit www.gocheckers.com.

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ECHL Stories from February 25, 2009


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