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Checkers checking out of the 2020-21 season
The Checkers won the 2019 Calder Cup by defeating the Chicago Wolves in five games. This was their first Calder Cup title ever. (Credit: Charlotte Checkers (gocheckers.com))

Checkers checking out of the 2020-21 season

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (BVM) —  The American Hockey League (AHL), which serves as the primary developmental league for the National Hockey League (NHL), has agreed on a framework that allows the 2020-21 season to begin on Feb. 5. But not all of the league’s teams will be participating this year.

Three teams have opted out of the season in regards to complications caused by COVID-19: the Milwaukee Admirals, the Springfield Thunderbirds and the Charlotte Checkers. 

The Checkers have decided not to play due to a multitude of reasons, all stemming from a local spike of COVID-19. As a result of these heightened illnesses, fans would not have been allowed inside of Bojangles Coliseum, the home stadium of the Checkers. This also raised questions about player safety and brought about travel challenges, all of which would be too much for the organization to navigate while keeping their focus on the ice.

This decision was made in conjunction with their NHL parent club, the Florida Panthers. This season would have marked the first for the club as their affiliate. They were previously linked with the Carolina Hurricanes for 10 years, but signed a multi-year deal with the Panthers this past September. 

“While we are disappointed that we cannot resume playing at this time, both the Panthers and Checkers feel it is in the best interests of all parties to opt out for this season,” said Checkers Owner and CEO Michael Kahn in a press release. “There are several travel, safety and player supply challenges to consider…We are appreciative of our partnership with the Florida Panthers regarding the navigation of this very difficult matter and will immediately focus our efforts on beginning the 2021-22 season in the fall.”

However, Checkers players will still be able to get some action this season. In a partnership with the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning, Checkers players will be able to play for the Syracuse Crunch, their AHL affiliate. Checkers players will have the ability to train, practice and compete in a temporary home this season.

Unfortunately, the Checkers will not have the opportunity to defend their Calder Cup throne. Because the 2019-20 season got canceled before the playoffs, the Checkers are the last team to win the championship, taking home all the marbles in the 2018-19 season. 

The team has shifted its focus to the 2021-22 season, and in the meantime, will be working with season ticket holders on its options moving forward. The Checkers want to ensure that when the time comes for them to take to the rink again, players and fans alike are healthy, satisfied and ready.