River Rats to Charlotte??

[Niner National]

Yeah you really don't see any commercials for the Canes in the Charlotte area unless you are watching a Canes game or if they are in the playoffs.

[lightsout]

Now, if the Checkers have any NHL caliber players, would they be signed to the River Rats roster if there interest within the organization? Seems like a little initiative for the possible move.

[Neylus]

This will give Charlotte the opportunity to see a team full of potential NHL stars rather than a team with maybe 1 or two NHL caliber players.

Very true, I think with all the injuries the Canes have suffered this year about half they're roster is filled with River Rat call-ups who are playing fantastic. AHL hockey is a sweet spot for quality/price and you have players who are always playing to make the big league. It's pretty awesome.

[carpanfan96]

I believe with the trades that are about to happen the River Rats team will be full in a few weeks.

[Nicbsbll2]

Official announcement about the River Rats being sold/moving to Charlotte will be coming this Wednesday... according to Mike Solarte (News14 sports director) on twitter

http://twitter.com/MikeSolarte

[Mesmer]

oh god i cant wait

[Acewalker]

Went through today

[STIFFPAWED]

Rumor has it that the owner of the checkers is the one trying to buy the team.

It's no longer a rumor. http://albanyriverrats.com/news/latest/index.html?article_id=2034

[Gman was right]

Woo hoo!

[Mesmer]

i'm a happy, happy man right now. i can't wait to go to games!

[The Other Colbert]

This is great news for the Hurricanes. Having a instate affiliate is a luxury even most teams in the league do not have. It also gives the Hurricanes organization the chance to solidify a broader fan base in the Carolinas. This, and Charlotte will be treated to a much higher quality of hockey talent.

I wonder if the Checkers will have uniform changes (most AHL affiliate's jerseys look similar to their NHL team)

[STIFFPAWED]

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/423/story/1238524.html

Article says Charlotte will retain the Checkers name for the AHL franchise and the ECHL franchise will be sold.

[panthersphan]

Such a GREAT move for Charlotte Hockey! Some of the best sports news in the city in a while.

AHL in Charlotte will be amazing...you WILL see NHLers all the time. Not to mention I'll be able to see the Toronto Marlies!

The best part about it, they're keeping the Checkers name!

Charlotte Checkers are moving on up!

[Mesmer]

<--- Still celebrating :party:

Also can't wait to buy tickets!