AHL Charlotte Checkers

Race Night to Aid Albany Family's Move to Charlotte

December 30, 2010 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Charlotte Checkers News Release


CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The Charlotte Checkers announced today that their fifth annual AutoTrader.com "Race Night" on Friday, Jan. 14 will benefit Zach Bennett and his family as they plan to relocate to Charlotte from Albany, N.Y.

The family will be flown to Charlotte and Zach will be honored as the Checkers host the Manchester Monarchs. In addition, proceeds from the jersey auction and a portion of ticket sales will be given to the family to help off-set medical and relocation expenses.

Zach is a 10-year-old boy who suffers from neurofibromatosis (NF1), a genetically inherited degenerative disorder in which soft-tissue tumors grow on nerves, and has had 21 surgeries to date. As former season ticket holders of the Albany River Rats, the Bennett family has established close relationships with many current Checkers players.

When it was announced that the River Rats had been relocated to Charlotte, the Bennetts decided to move with their team in order to provide Zach with better medical care and experience milder weather. Checkers owner Michael Kahn decided to lend a helping hand and orchestrated this very special reunion.

"When I heard Zach's story, it became not a question of how we would get the Bennetts to Charlotte, but when," said Kahn. "The relationships that our players have formed with this young man speak volumes about the heart of this team."

Kahn added: "The Bennetts have faced extraordinary challenges, yet they have persevered and we, as an organization and as a community, wholeheartedly look forward to welcoming them into our Checkers family."

Checkers goaltender Mike Murphy is one of the former River Rats who knows Zach, or 'Bug', well. "We're all excited to have 'Bug' come down," remarked Murphy. "He's one of the guys, a teammate of ours, and gives everyone inspiration. You'll never find him without a smile on his face."

Over the past four years, "Race Night" has raised more than $165,000 for various non-profit beneficiaries. Joey Logano, NASCAR Sprint Cup driver of the #20 car, will be this year's headliner and more information will be revealed in the coming weeks. Head to www.gocheckers.com/racenight for more information.

The Checkers (18-10-4) will battle the Admirals again tonight (7:15 p.m.) in Norfolk before returning to Charlotte Saturday, Jan. 1 to host the Binghamton Senators. The first 3,000 fans through the door that night will receive a Checkers winter hat. Call 704-342-4423 or head to www.gocheckers.com for ticket information.

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