The Checkers today announced their initial training camp roster.

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The group includes seven players on AHL contracts with Charlotte. Three of those skaters – forwards Nick Schilkey and Zack Stortini and defenseman Dennis Robertson – are returning after spending last season with the Checkers. The other four players – forwards Kyle Platzer and Zach Nastasiuk, defenseman Patrick McCarron and goalie Jamie Phillips – are all newcomers who inked deals over the summer.

The Checkers have also invited five players to camp – forward Joe Cox, a Michigan State product who led the ECHL's Florida Everblades' rookies in scoring last season, defensemen Travis Howe, who led the ECHL's Utah Grizzlies in penalty minutes each of the last two seasons, Matt Finn, who was under contract with the Checkers last season but missed the majority of the season with an injury, Trevor Owens, a Raleigh native who just finished has collegiate career at Northeastern and Akim Aliu, a nine-year vet who played in both Sweden and Slovakia last season.

Additionally, the Checkers announced that two practices during training camp – Wednesday, Sep. 26 and Wednesday, Oct. 3 – will be open to the public.

The merchandise stand will be open from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Oct. 3 practice where discounted items will be for sale.

Training camp will officially start on Monday, Sep. 24.