CHARLOTTE, N.C. — For the first time in franchise history, the Charlotte Checkers will play outdoors as they host the Queen City Winter Classic at Truist Field on Saturday.
The Checkers will meet the Rochester Americans at 7 p.m. in the first professional outdoor hockey game in Charlotte sports history. It's the 12th outdoor game in American Hockey League history and the third that's been played at a minor league baseball stadium.
Announced in April, the game has been nearly a year in the making with the Charlotte Knights and Checkers working in conjunction to bring outdoor hockey to the Queen City.
“We are thrilled that this partnership with the Knights has allowed us to bring an outdoor game to Charlotte,” Checkers Chief Operating Officer Tera Black said. “Truist Field is the perfect venue for us to host this event, and our entire organization is looking forward to this historic occasion.”
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.
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