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    David Dwork
    David Dwork
    Jan 9, 2025, 12:00

    The Checkers are having an excellent season in the AHL's Atlantic Division, currently leading in point percentage

    The Checkers are having an excellent season in the AHL's Atlantic Division, currently leading in point percentage

    It was a good day on Wednesday around the AHL's Charlotte Checkers.

    The American Hockey League affiliate of the Florida Panthers found out that not one, not two, not three, but four members of the Checkers had been selected to participate in the 2025 AHL All-Star Classic.

    The fun will be taking place on Feb. 2 and 3 in Palm Desert, California.

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    On Wednesday, the AHL announced the four rosters for the 2025 All-Star Classic, one from each of the league's divisions.

    Representing the Atlantic Division are a trio of players from Charlotte and, by virtue of the Checkers having the highest points percentage in the division on Jan. 1, the Atlantic will be coached by Charlotte bench boss Geordie Kinnear.

    The players are forwards Zac Dalpe and Trevor Carrick and defenseman John Leonard.

    Dalpe, a longtime veteran of the AHL and captain of the Checkers, will represent the "C" for the Team Atlantic.

    Unfortunately, Dalpe was injured during a game in mid-December and remains week-to-week, according to Kinnear, so he is not expected to play in what would have been his first All-Star Classic.

    Leonard, who signed on with the Checkers over the summer and joined the Panthers on a training camp PTO, is having a standout season in Charlotte.

    The 26-year-old leads the team with 15 goals and 31 points through 30 games. He plays in all situations, even strength, power play and penalty kill, currently sitting second in the AHL with three shorthanded goals.

    He'll be skating in his first AHL All-Star Classic.

    Speaking of special teams, Carrick leads all AHL defensemen with five power play goals.

    The veteran blueliner has racked up an impressive 27 points in 29 games with Charlotte this season.

    For Carrick, this will be his third AHL All-Star Classic appearance.

    Wednesday's All-Star news is the latest occurrence in what has been a strong season in Charlotte.

    Entering play Thursday, the Checkers hold a 19-8-3 record. They are four points behind first place Hershey in the Atlantic Division, but with five games in hand, giving Charlotte the highest point percentage in the Eastern Conference. 

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