"Speak Out" is an expression of opinion from the Editorial Board of WBTV, and is presented by General Manager, Nick Simonette.
Being a sports fan in Charlotte can be "difficult," to say the least.
The "Charlotte" Knights play in Fort Mill.
We haven't yet climbed on the Bobcats bandwagon.
As for the Panthers, well…."2 and 14." Need I say more?
However, the Charlotte Checkers are quickly changing the city's sad sports song.
The Checkers are a "Triple A" affiliate of the Carolina Hurricanes in Raleigh.
Last month, they completed their first season in the American Hockey League, ranking 5th overall and making it to the Conference Finals.
A winning record helps get the community behind a team. But the team has to ALSO get behind the community.
Enter Zach Bennett.
Zach is an 11-year-old suffering from a nonfatal, but debilitating, medical condition.
He was a loyal fan of the Albany River Rats prior to that team becoming the Charlotte Checkers.
Players and coaches have visited him in the hospital, and the team has donated proceeds to help pay Zach's considerable hospital bills.
So, when the River Rats headed south, the Bennett family decided to move here, too.
Trouble was, the Bennetts' house did not sell.
This spring, the Checkers decided they needed their most loyal fan here in Charlotte.
And so, they bought a house for the Bennetts.
We applaud the Checkers for their huge success and giving hearts.
And we look forward to another great season next year.
Tell us what YOU think. SpeakOut@wbtv.com.
