Another depth forward is returning to the fold as the Checkers have signed Mitchell Heard to a two-way AHL contract.

The 25-year-old spent last season on a two-way deal with the Checkers as well, splitting his time between Charlotte and the ECHL’s Florida Everblades. With the Checkers, Heard appeared in 36 games and notched four assists and 53 penalty minutes, the latter of which was good for fourth on the team overall. With the Everblades, he put up 13 points (6g, 7a) and 29 penalty minutes over 11 regular season contests as well as an assist and 49 penalty minutes in 8 playoff games.

Heard, an Ontario native, is heading into his sixth pro season with 39 points (14g, 25a) and 500 penalty minutes in 195 AHL games. He has also logged 56 ECHL games and racked up 61 points (28g, 33a) and 158 penalty minutes along the way.

Prior to turning pro, Heard spent four seasons with the OHL’s Plymouth Whalers, where he was coached by new Checkers head coach Mike Vellucci.