The Checkers and Charlotte Metro Hockey Association announced today the details surrounding the first ever AAA-caliber youth hockey program in the Charlotte area.
Tier 1/AAA is the highest level of youth hockey in the United States sanctioned by USA Hockey and the newly formed organization, the Carolina Checkers AAA, will offer players the opportunity to participate in Tier 1/AAA hockey without affecting their eligibility on local Tier II/AA teams.
The program will field teams at the 12U, 14U and 16U age classifications and will participate in two tournaments in 2012-13. Open tryouts have been set for the weekend of Aug. 11-12 at Extreme Ice Center in Indian Trail, N.C. Registrations are now open and more information can be found at www.carolinacheckersaaa.com.
“The talent is there and we want to give kids the opportunity to compete at the highest levels, while staying in their local market,” said executive director Derek Wilkinson. “We have a lot of skilled players locally and it’s exciting.”
Most recently, the Charlotte Jr. Checkers AA 16U and 12U teams put the Queen City on the map by placing second and third, respectively, at the USA Hockey National Championships.
"We are thankful for the support of the Carolina Hurricanes for our new AAA program and we look forward to the continued growth of youth hockey in the Carolinas," Wilkinson added.
Extreme Ice Center is an 87,000 square foot facility with two NHL regulation size ice skating rinks and is the official practice facility of the Checkers. For information on Extreme Ice Center’s programs, please visit www.xicenter.com.
