CHECKERS ANNOUNCE OPENING NIGHT, SCHEDULE FORMAT
First home game Oct. 15; Norfolk, Hershey remain as Eastern opponents
The Checkers, in conjunction with the American Hockey League, announced today the team’s 2011-12 home opener will be played on Saturday, Oct. 15 at Time Warner Cable Arena. In addition, the Checkers have announced the schedule format and opponents for the upcoming season.
Tickets for the home opener will go on-sale in the coming weeks and Presbyterian Hospital will provide a magnet schedule giveaway.
The team will play a 76-game schedule (38 home, 38 away) against a total of 13 opponents, 11 of which are Western Conference foes.
Now in the Midwest Division of the Western Conference, the Checkers will play 32 games against inter-division teams Chicago, Milwaukee, Peoria and Rockford, as well as 24 games against the West Division, which includes Abbotsford (B.C.), Houston, Oklahoma City, San Antonio and Texas. Rounding out the Western Conference will be eight games versus Grand Rapids and Lake Erie from the North Division.
From the Eastern Conference, the Checkers will face two rivals from last season – the Hershey Bears and Norfolk Admirals.
“We are excited for this move to the Western Conference and that we can keep rivalries going with Hershey and Norfolk,” said Checkers COO Tera Black. “The difference in travel will be minimal and Checkers fans will get the chance to see other large-market teams they haven’t in the past.”
The schedule format is as follows (NHL affiliate) [Home/Away]:
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Midwest Division
Chicago Wolves (VAN) [4/4]
Milwaukee Admirals (NSH) [4/4]
Peoria Rivermen (STL) [4/4]
Rockford IceHogs (CHI) [4/4]
West Division
Abbotsford Heat (CGY) [2/2]
Houston Aeros (MIN) [2/2]
Oklahoma City Barons (EDM) [4/4]
San Antonio Rampage (FLA) [2/2]
Texas Stars (DAL) [2/2]
North Division
Grand Rapids Griffins (DET) [2/2]
Lake Erie Monsters (COL) [2/2]
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Hershey Bears (WSH) [2/2]
Norfolk Admirals (TBL) [4/4]
Season tickets and mini-plans for 2011-12 are on sale now and start as low as $110 for a 10-game pack. Call 704-342-4423 or email tickets@gocheckers.com for details.
The Carolina Hurricanes and Winnipeg Jets will play a preseason game at Time Warner Cable Arena on Sunday, Sept. 25. Tickets can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com or the Time Warner Cable Arena box office.
