The Charlotte Checkers, a minor-league ice hockey team, serve as the AHL affiliate of the NHL's Carolina Hurricanes. The franchise was established in 1990 under the name Capital District Islanders and later became the Albany River Rats after relocating to Albany, New York.

History and Background of the Charlotte Checkers

Founded by entrepreneur Felix Sabates, who is also a NASCAR team owner, the Charlotte Checkers originated in 1990 and have been based in Charlotte, North Carolina, from the outset. Initially part of the ECHL (East Coast Hockey League), the Checkers achieved early success, notably by winning the Riley Cup in their inaugural season. In 2010, the team moved up to the American Hockey League (AHL) and became affiliated with the NHL's Carolina Hurricanes. This affiliation significantly contributed to their growth and success, culminating in a Calder Cup win in 2019, a prestigious achievement in the AHL.

Beyond their on-ice triumphs, the Charlotte Checkers have established themselves as a vital part of the Charlotte community through various outreach programs and service initiatives. The team’s ongoing participation in the AHL continues to nurture talent while entertaining an ever-growing fan base, solidifying its position in professional hockey.

What is the Charlotte Checkers?

The Charlotte Checkers are a professional ice hockey team competing in the American Hockey League (AHL) as the affiliate of the Carolina Hurricanes. They are recognized for their notable accomplishments, including winning the Calder Cup, and are a key player in the development of talent in the sport of hockey.

Evolution of the Charlotte Checkers Logo

1993 – 2002: The First Logo

The initial logo, introduced in 1993, featured a playful design with a caricature of a polar bear wearing a hockey helmet and uniform. This logo was set against a circular background featuring a blue and black checkered pattern, with bold black sans-serif lettering around the perimeter. The design embodied a fun and approachable image for the team.

2002 – 2007: Modernization and Redesign

In 2002, the Checkers’ logo underwent a major redesign, modernizing the look of the team’s mascot. The bear was made to appear more fierce, now set against a solid red circle with a black outline. The color scheme was simplified, removing orange from the uniform in favor of blue and white. The team name was moved to the bottom, with "Charlotte" in slanted, sans-serif lettering on a gray and black banner, while a custom "Checkers" wordmark was added for a more sophisticated appearance.

2007 – 2010: Relocation and Branding Update

When the team relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina, in 2007, they adopted their current name and logo, which featured the now-iconic bear. The color scheme included blue, white, and red, representing the team’s energetic and bold identity.

2010 – Present: Final Logo Update

In 2010, the team’s logo received a final update, with blue being replaced by black. The updated design features a white bear with silver accents, a black neck, and a vibrant red sky background. The word “Charlotte” is written in red, and “Checkers” is displayed in white, with the skyline outlined in black, creating a bold and cohesive visual identity.

Color Scheme

The Checkers' logo utilizes a striking color palette. The bear is white, with silver detailing and a black neck, while the sky is a bright red, the same color used for the "Charlotte" text. The "Checkers" lettering is white, ensuring strong contrast against the black skyline, creating a bold and dynamic brand image.