CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Saturday night should be one of the most memorable sporting events in Charlotte's recent history.
The Charlotte Checkers will play the Rochester Americans outdoors, at the home of the Knights, Truist Field.
Making the night even more special is the story behind Charlotte's goalie helmets.
All three goalies will wear helmets with artwork specially designed by patients at Novant Health Hemby Children's Hospital.
The kids inked their own artwork, and then an artist was able to transpose their work onto the helmets.
The Checkers goalies got to meet the kids to receive the helmets.
"I saw them outside, they were watching practice, so we got to meet them after," Checkers goalie Spencer Knight said. "All of them were very bright kids, very thoughtful and kind."
Knight said seeing the kids put adversity in his athletic career in perspective.
"I don't think I can even relate to (being in a children's hospital)," he said. "That's on a ten-times bigger scale than me letting in a goal. We're fighting for a game, and they're fighting for their lives and I don't think you can compare that."
The helmets will be placed on auction starting Friday at 5 p.m., through Sunday, Jan. 21 at 3:30 p.m.
A portion of the proceeds will benefit the hospital.
You can find a link to the auction here.
The Queen City Outdoor Classic still has standing room tickets available.