There might be a lockout with the NHL, but the AHL is in full swing and so are the Charlotte Checkers.

Head coach and general manager, Jeff Daniels, announced that the Charlotte Checkers signed forward, Drayson Bowman to an AHL contract.

Bowman spent the 2011-12 season between the Checkers and Carolina Hurricanes. He set a NHL career high in games played (37), goals (6), assists (7) and points (13). Bowman had 13 goals and assists in 42 AHL games with the Charlotte Checkers.

The Charlotte Checkers are currently in training camp and the home opener is set for Sunday, November 4th @ 3 pm. Tickets are available @ www.gocheckers.com

The annual events Pink in the Rink, Salute to Heroes, and Race Night will be returning along with premium giveaway nights of winter gloves, sunglasses, megaphones and more in addition, there will be Election Night (Nov 6), Star Wars Night (Dec 1), Last Night on Earth (Dec 21), Old Time Hockey Weekend (March 15-17), and Country Western Night (March 30).

Full details on theme nights will be available at www.gocheckers.com in the weeks leading up to the event!

The home opener is Sunday, Nov 4th with the first 2,500 fans recieving a Checkers car flag, courtesy of Time Warner Cable and magnet schedules will be given out to the first 5,000 fans courtesy of Presbyterian Hospital.

Join Woody from the Woody & Wilcox Morning Show as he races through the streets of Uptown Charlotte in full hockey gear (minus skates) for the Inaugural Charity 5K Run & Walk on Saturday, November 24th!

Register for $25 now through November 9th which includes a ticket to the that night's Checkers game and Checkers 5K run & walk t-shirt. $30 after November 9th and $35 day of race.

Participants are encouraged to wear hockey-themed attire and prizes will be awarded to the best dressed.

There will be a Free Run for kids presented by Family Talk.

All times Eastern
* Checkers/Bobcats doubleheader       
** Game to be played at PNC Arena in Raleigh

The Carolina Hurricanes have agreed to terms with Bowman, 23, split the 2011-12 season between the Hurricanes and Charlotte Checkers.

With the Hurricanes, Bowman scored six goals and seven assists and with the Checkers he had thirteen goals and thirteen assists.

Bowman signed a two-year contract.

For complete press release, click here