Charlotte Checkers refers to two professional ice hockey teams based in Charlotte, North Carolina. The original Checkers played in the Eastern Hockey League from 1956 to 1977 and were known for their fierce rivalries and passionate fanbase. A later team, also named the Charlotte Checkers, was established in 1993 and played in various leagues, including the ECHL and the American Hockey League (AHL). This later iteration became the primary affiliate of the NHL's Florida Panthers in 2005 and subsequently the Carolina Hurricanes in 2015, providing a crucial development ground for aspiring NHL players and continuing the tradition of professional hockey in the Queen City.
