I've been attending Checker games since the ECHL franchise got started in 1993, we didn't go as often as we did to Hornets games but we would go at least once a year. Saw many different opponents over the years, they had a pretty good rivalry with the teams from Greensboro, the Icecaps, the Charleston Stingrays aka "Stinkrays" and the Virginia teams. I remember watching them come from 0-2 down in 2005 to upset the Columbia Inferno in 3 straight. I went many a nights to the Uptown arena and remember thinking that it would only be a matter of time before they made the jump to the AHL.
About 10 years ago when the Everblades came to town, Jim Rutherford was in the building. I didn't speak with him but some of the season-ticket holders did and they made it sound like the Canes were going to make it happen within the next couple of seasons. I was excited as hell when it was finally announced about a year later.
I haven't been to as many as I used to, Bojangles Coliseum isn't as easy for me to get to as was taking the light rail, but this is by far my favorite season being a fan of this team. The talent is awesome, the coaching is wonderful, the atmosphere is fun, the fans are loud, and the team is damn good.
