Checkers

Cannon Ballers leading way in Kannapolis’ revitalization

June 15, 2022 Brett Friedlander

KANNAPOLIS — The Kannapolis Cannon Ballers have a slogan painted in large letters for all to see as they enter Gate 1 at Atrium Health Ballpark. “Have a blast!” it says. It’s a play on […]

The man behind the Hurricanes’ masked men

May 5, 2021 Cory Lavalette

RALEIGH — Paul Schonfelder probably knew his playing career was coming to an end when his stint with the Cape Fear FireAntz was followed by stops with teams named the IceHogs and Mudbugs. No matter […]

Hurricanes’ Jordan Staal in COVID-19 protocol

January 15, 2021 Cory Lavalette

It took one game for the Carolina Hurricanes to have a player land on the NHL’s COVID-19 protocol list. Captain Jordan Staal, who played in Thursday’s season-opening 3-0 win in Detroit, was one of three […]

Black, Checkers attempt to navigate AHL’s return

June 24, 2020 Cory Lavalette

While major sports leagues around the world are trying to find ways to hold games and events in front of limited or even no crowds, minor league sports whose business models are built on ticket […]

Waddell, Staal discuss Hurricanes’ planned return

May 28, 2020 Cory Lavalette

RALEIGH — A day after NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman unveiled a blueprint for the league’s return to play, Carolina Hurricanes general manager Don Waddell and captain Jordan Staal met with the media in a Zoom […]

AHL cancels balance of season, playoffs

May 11, 2020 The Associated Press

The Charlotte Checkers will remain the reigning Calder Cup champions for at least one more year — but this isn’t the way they envisioned doing it. The American Hockey League canceled the rest of its […]

Are the Hurricanes better?

July 31, 2019 Cory Lavalette

RALEIGH — The doldrums of the NHL offseason are officially here. Most (looking at you, Justin Williams) of the available free agents are signed, rosters are coming into focus, and there are fewer and fewer […]

With injuries mounting, Hurricanes look to Charlotte

May 1, 2019 Cory Lavalette

RALEIGH — If you haven’t watched the Carolina Hurricanes for a while, you might be wondering where some of the familiar names have gone. Calvin de Haan. Micheal Ferland. Andrei Svechnikov. Jordan Martinook. Saku Maenalanen. […]

Category 5: Notes from the Carolina Hurricanes, Jan. 25

January 25, 2019 Cory Lavalette

The Carolina Hurricanes entered the All-Star break with a 2-0-1 run through western Canada that included two high-scoring wins — both with two-goal performances by newcomer Nino Niederreiter — and a point stolen in Calgary […]

Category 5: Notes from the Carolina Hurricanes, Jan. 18

January 18, 2019 Cory Lavalette

I thought I would try something new and decided on this new notes package, Category 5. In it, you will find a handful of notes, quotes, numbers and facts on the Carolina Hurricanes. I’ll try […]