The Charlotte Checkers of the American Hockey League have gained new control, announcing that Sauer Sports & Entertainment has acquired majority ownership of the team. Michael Kahn, the team's former majority owner, will remain as the team's largest minority shareholder. Kahn has been the controlling owner since 2006.
This will be the first foray into an AHL franchise for the Sauer Sports & Entertainment ownership group, which already has a large presence in the ECHL. According to an official release, the group owns and operates the Jacksonville IceMen, Tahoe Knight Monsters and Savannah Ghost Pirates. The team also manages the ECHL's Allen Americans and Atlanta Gladiators.
According to the agreement, there will be no changes to the Checkers' day-to-day operations or front office, and the team will continue to function as the primary affiliate of the NHL's Florida Panthers. Regarding the acquisition, Andy Kaufman, CEO of Sauer Sports & Entertainment, said:“The Checkers are a team rich in history and a great fan base, and I'm honored to help make Checkers Nation proud — not just on game days, but all year round in this special community. We've already made an impact in this community with Gastonia Baseball, and we look forward to expanding our footprint in the area by providing quality entertainment, community outreach and competitive hockey to local families.”” “.
Other AHL notes:
- Assistant coach and Jessica Campbell The Coachella Valley Firebirds, the AHL affiliate of the Seattle Kraken who advanced to the NHL level, were searching for a new coach and the team announced the hiring of a coach today, concluding their search. Brennan Song Son is the team's new assistant coach. Son recently served as head coach of the WHL's Saskatoon Blades after a successful three-year streak. Under his guidance, the team compiled a record of 136 wins, 54 losses and 13 ties and made two appearances in the WHL Eastern Conference Finals.
- It didn't take long Curtis Hall After not receiving a qualifying offer from the Boston Bruins, Hall is eager to find new ground. The AHL's Cleveland Monsters announced they had signed the young forward to an AHL contract for the 2024-25 season. Hall has spent the past four years playing for the Bruins organization splitting time between the AHL and ECHL. However, it has been hard for Hall to make an impact in games, despite recording six goals and 16 points in 124 games at the game's highest minor league level.
