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The Charlotte Checkers would like to move back to Bojangles’ Coliseum

Charlotte Checkers, Hershey Bears, Justin Peters

Charlotte Checkers goalie (35) Justin Peters makes a save against the Hershey Bears during the first period an AHL Hockey game at the Giant Center in Hershey, Pa., Sunday, March 2, 2014. (AP Photo/Lebanon Daily News, Glen Gray)

AP

The Carolina Hurricanes are “fully” on board with the Charlotte Checkers’ desire to move from Time Warner Cable Arena back to their old rink, Bojangles’ Coliseum.

“We fully support the Checkers’ organization as it seeks to return to its roots on Independence Boulevard,” said GM Ron Francis in a statement. “From all angles, this seems like a positive move for Checkers fans and staff and for our NHL prospects playing in Charlotte.”

The Checkers are the Hurricanes’ AHL affiliate.

“When we chose to leave Bojangles’ Coliseum in 2005, the facility was in need of upgrades that are only now being considered,” the club wrote on its website. “Moving to Time Warner Cable Arena was a key reason why we were able to join the American Hockey League in 2010. With the proposed renovations bringing the arena to AHL standards, we will be able to return to our home and enjoy the benefits of being a primary tenant.”

From the press release:

The deal is contingent upon a Charlotte City Council vote to approve $16 million in funding for renovations to the Coliseum that are necessary to raise the building to American Hockey League (AHL) standards. The vote will take place on Dec. 8.

The original Checkers team -- which from 1956 to 1977 played in the Eastern Hockey League, then the Southern Hockey League -- also called Bojangles’ Coliseum home. Though at the time, the arena was just called the Charlotte Coliseum.

Here’s a video the Checkers released about the move back to the old barn: