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🏒 The countdown is on
The Charlotte Checkers are a minor-league professional ice hockey team and affiliate of the reigning Stanley Cup Champion Florida Panthers. | Photo by Jacob Kupferman via Charlotte Checkers
It’s time to hit the ice. The Charlotte Checkers will face the Cleveland Monsters in their home opener on Friday, Oct. 18 and Saturday, Oct. 19. The team has already played its first two games on the road, bringing two W’s to the Queen City.
“I’m super excited to get back in front of our fans in Charlotte,” said head coach Geordie Kinnear.
Here’s everything you need to know about the 2024-25 season.
During Media Day, the team worked through fast drills ahead of the home opener on Friday, Oct. 18.
Photo by CLTtoday
On the ice
Checkers fans will notice some new faces on the roster, including:
Defensemen — Mikulas Hovorka, Jaycob Megna, Marek Alscher, and Tobias Bjornfot
Forwards — Oliver Okuliar, Krzysztof Macias, and Kyle Criscuolo
Wingers — MacKenzie Entwistle, John Leonard, Matt Luff, Riley Hughes, Sandis Vilmanis, Aidan McDonough, and Jamie Armstrong
Goalies — Christian Pavlas and Chris Driedger
Fans will rejoice to see captain Zac Dalpe and forward Rasmus Asplund returning to the ice this season. Trevor Carrick also returns to the Checkers. He last played with the team when they won the Calder Cup in 2019.
“It feels good to be back,” said Carrick. “I’ve played on some tough hockey teams so I’m looking forward to getting back to a winning culture.”
Among the new menu items, fans will be able to order large taco salads at any point during the game.
Photo by CLTtoday
New concessions
When attending a Checkers game, fans can expect fresh Bojangles’ chicken supremes, hot dogs, popcorn, craft and domestic beer + non-alcoholic beverages.
The Red Line Club will feature several new menu items:
Community Impact Summit | Wednesday, Oct. 16 | 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Goodwill Opportunity Campus | $25 | Listen to a panel discussion, network, and learn ways to get involved with local nonprofits.
WNC Donations and Dine Out Night | Wednesday, Oct. 16 | 5-10 p.m. | Customshop | Cost of purchase | Savor a delicious meal + the restaurant will donate 25% of all sales to BeLoved Asheville.
Thursday, Oct. 17
Book Signing with Travis Brady | Thursday, Oct. 17 | 4-6 p.m. | South Main Book Company, Salisbury | Free | Breast cancer survivor Travis Brady is sharing tips to make treatment easier.
2024 Induction Ceremony | Thursday, Oct. 17 | 6-10 p.m. | Charles Mack Citizen Center, Mooresville | $100 | Savor a four-course meal + celebrate North Carolinians as they’re inducted into the NC Music Hall of Fame.
WNC Benefit Concert | Thursday, Oct. 17 | 7 p.m. | The Amp, Ballantyne | $30 | Dance along to Steep Canyon Rangers and Ashes & Arrows, with a portion of ticket sales supporting BeLoved Asheville.
Friday, Oct. 18
Ghouly Gala: A Science Spooktacular | Friday, Oct. 18 | 5-8 p.m. | Discovery Place Kids-Huntersville | $9.95+ | Experience this family-friendly adventure full of science experiments, LEGO challenges, and a magic show.
Morgan Wallen: One Night at a Time | Friday, Oct. 18 | 6 p.m. | Bank of America Stadium | $65+ | You’ll be “Livin’ the Dream” hearing the country music star perform.
Hurricane Helene Benefit Concert | Friday, Oct. 18 | 7-11 p.m. | Old Town Public House, Cornelius | Cost of purchase | Jam to live music by Billy Jones & the Pocket + 20% of all proceeds benefit WNC.
Now open: Novant Health’s new (spa-like) breast health center
Presented by Novant Health
One in eight women are diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime — but early detection through mammograms leads to less invasive treatments and decreased mortality rates. | Photos provided by Novant Health
Proof that Breast Cancer Awareness Month is working: We all know how critical mammograms are in detecting breast cancer early. The challenge that remains: Ensuring we are actually proactive about our health by getting that mammogram scheduled.
Carolina on our mind, and in our hearts. We’re currently raising donations for BeLoved Asheville, a local organization supporting food and water distribution, clothing and supply deliveries, and debris cleanup across the region. 100% of funds raised will go to support recovery efforts across WNC, in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
Cause
513,216. That’s how many meals were packed during Saturday’s “Hope for the High Country” event in Pineville. Volunteers also packed snack bags and hygiene kits that will go to residents in Avery, Burke, McDowell, and Watauga counties. (WBTV)
Concert
“Concert for Carolinas” will be available to stream via Veeps for $25. North Carolina natives The Avett Brothers, Scotty McCreery, Chase Rice, and Parmalee are joining the lineup. Proceeds from the Saturday, Oct. 26 concert will go to western NC.
Civic
Matthews leaders approved restrictions for short-term rentals, leaving some residents upset. The new changes include the ability to rent a single room rather than the whole home. (WCNC)
Traffic
Former President Donald Trump will be meeting with faith leaders in Concord on Monday, Oct. 21. Traffic is expected to be heavy around the Concord Convention Center. The event starts at 7 p.m. (WCNC)
Weather
Will the Queen City see snow this year? NOAA released its winter weather outlook, outlining the chances. See the breakdown of our odds. (WCNC)
Closing
Pepperbox Donuts will be closing its shop in South End. The donut staple cited a drastic drop in sales over the past 24 months. The last day to visit will be Thursday, Oct. 31.
Coming Soon
The Waterman Fish Bar is opening a third location at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. The seafood and oyster bar will open in Terminal C in early 2025.
Announced
Comedian Dave Chappelle announced a surprise show in the Queen City. He’ll be performing at Ovens Auditorium on Wednesday, Oct. 23. Tickets go on sale at noon. (CLTure)
Film
More than 1,000 extras are needed for two movies being filmed in Charlotte. “Apopka” stars Sydney Sweeney and Ben Foster, and “Roofman” stars Channing Tatum and Kirsten Dunst. Details on what’s required can be found here. (WSOC)
Sports
The Panthers will keep Andy Dalton as the QB for Sunday’s game against the Washington Commanders. What can we expect on the field? Go beyond the locker room for the biggest stories on the Carolina Pantherswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Real Estate
Nestled in the University area + tucked away from main roads lies Brixton, a new community of three-story townhomes. Each features two to four bedrooms, high ceilings, a two-car garage, and a flex space or guest suite. Psst… Close by Dec. 20 to snag a 4.99% 30-year fixed-rate mortgage. See available homes.*
Number
$125. That’s how much you can save on the HP Smart Tank 6001 printer for a limited time. Bonus: A two-year supply of ink is included with your purchase.*
Health
Imagine sitting in a busy cafe surrounded by chatter and music, yet hearing every word of the conversation crystal clear. With this revolutionary hearing aid, background noise fades, and the voices you care about come through with perfect clarity.*
Eat
Eat
💭 Food for thought
The bar space at Harper’s Restaurant provides guests the chance to dine in an active, community atmosphere. | Photo via The Plaid Penguin
We have some amazing restaurants in our city, and we love highlighting new culinary gems at CLTtoday. But there have also been so many great local restaurants that have closed over the years (Harper’s, we miss you) — and sometimes, we get a little hankering for a meal from a place that no longer exists. Sigh.
This got us thinking about the local restaurants from yesteryear that make our readers feel that same nostalgia — the spots that would be your go-to choices for dining out if they were still around.
City Editor Maria, here. Personally, if I had a time machine, I’d head straight to Eight + Sand on New Bern Street for a breakfast bowl, a twice-baked Nutella croissant + a latte and never look back.
OK, your turn. Which Queen City restaurant or meal would you give anything to try one more time?
An easy Halloween costume — snag these Inside Out t-shirts and have the whole family dress up as Disgust, Anger, Anxiety, and your other favorite emotions for a hilarious and topical group look.
I thoroughly enjoyed going to the Charlotte Checkers’ practice before this weekend’s home opener against the Cleveland Monsters. Ice hockey, in general, has a special place in my heart. My first major sporting event I ever attended was a Tampa Bay Lightning game (I was about six years old) and my first job was at an ice rink in Florida. If you see me at a game, be sure to say hi. I may be spotted taking selfies with Chubby, like the image below.
Answered
Answered
Yesterday, we asked “Which of these films was not shot in North Carolina?”
VisArt Video boasts 50,000 titles of VHS and Blu-ray films in its space, plus a cafe, outdoor seating, and screening room. | Photo by CLTtoday
84% of you were correct — “The Eyes of Tammy Faye,” “Last of the Mohicans,” and “Hunger Games” were all filmed in North Carolina.
“Fly Away Home” was not filmed in North Carolina. Despite the Tar Heel State being a migration destination for the geese, that scene was actually filmed in Georgetown, South Carolina.
