CHARLOTTE, NS – Disappointing. That’s how Jeff Daniels, head coach of the Charlotte Checkers described the way the 2010/11 season ended. The Checkers had started the season slowly but then picked up, bringing them to the Eastern Conference play-off. It was there that they encountered the Binghamton Senators, losing 4 games to 0. Daniels admitted that the Senators were a really good team, they eventually went on to win the Calder Cup beating Houston Aeros 4-2 in the final. But it was unfinished business as far as Daniels was concerned.
With the 2011-12 season looming upon the AHL, a whole new chapter awaits the Checkers with the move to the Western Conference.
The Checkers have three trips to Texas to play the Stars, whose home is Cedar Park, Austin to Houston to face the Aeros, then to San Antonio where the Rampage await. Add to that, road trips to places as far apart as Norfolk, Virginia and Lake Erie,Cleveland, where the Checkers take on the Monsters. This is a repeat of the two pre-season games they had this past weekend with the Checkers coming out on of top 2-0 and 3-1. The furthest trip will be to Abbotsford, British Columbia.
Because of the salary cap in the NHL, teams are sending players down, so clubs like the Checkers can really benefit. The Hurricanes have sent 12 players to the Checkers so far, these are players that they would not normally be available.
Daniels, who won two Stanley Cups with the Pittsburg Pirates and assistant Geordie Kinnear, who had an eight-year professional playing career, have the advantage of the Canes coaching staff as needed. They work closely with Head Coach Paul Maurice and Director of Hockey Operations Ron Francis.
A young squad interspersed with experienced players will enable the Checkers to build for the future. It is going to be an interesting season with all the new teams the Checkers will be facing. They should get familiar with them as the season progresses, because they play each team a total of eight times. Coaches Daniels and Kinnear will no doubt spend a lot of time watching videos of the opposition.
As I write this article the Checkers have sent out a news release that says the roster is down to 22, with six players to be released. Drayton Bowman, a forward has been reassigned to the Checkers, it was announced today. The Checkers will continue training at the Extreme Ice Center, at Indian Trail through this Thursday. Their regular season begins Friday, October 7 in Norfolk against the Admirals. The Checkers home opener is on Saturday October 15, at Time Warner Cable Arena. Tickets are available by calling 1-704-342-4ICE.
Contact the author at Eddie.Mitchell@prohockeynews.com
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