The Charlotte Checkers have advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2025 Calder Cup Playoffs, marking a significant achievement for the franchise. This progression follows a decisive 3-0 series sweep against the two-time defending champions, the Hershey Bears, in the Atlantic Division Finals. The Checkers had previously secured a 3-2 series victory over the Providence Bruins in the Division Semifinals.
In the upcoming best-of-seven Eastern Conference Finals, the Checkers will face the Laval Rocket, the American Hockey League’s regular-season champions. The series begins on Wednesday, May 28, at Place Bell in Laval, Quebec. The schedule for the series is as follows:
- Game 1: Wednesday, May 28 – Charlotte at Laval, 7:00 PM EDT
- Game 2: Thursday, May 29 – Charlotte at Laval, 7:00 PM EDT
- Game 3: Sunday, June 1 – Laval at Charlotte, 4:00 PM EDT
- Game 4: Tuesday, June 3 – Laval at Charlotte, 7:00 PM EDT
- Game 5: Thursday, June 5 – Laval at Charlotte, 7:00 PM EDT (if necessary)
- Game 6: Saturday, June 7 – Charlotte at Laval, 3:00 PM EDT (if necessary)
- Game 7: Sunday, June 8 – Charlotte at Laval, 3:00 PM EDT (if necessary)
The Checkers’ advancement to the Eastern Conference Finals is a notable milestone, especially considering their current affiliation with the Florida Panthers. This marks the first time a Panthers affiliate has reached this stage in the Calder Cup Playoffs. The Checkers previously won the Calder Cup in 2019 while affiliated with the Carolina Hurricanes.
Tickets for Games 3, 4, and 5 (if necessary) at Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte are currently available. All home games can be heard live on 92.9 FM WAME. The winner of the series will move on to the Calder Cup Finals to face the Western Conference champion, which will be determined between the Abbotsford Canucks and the Texas Stars.
