Checkers get in on growing trend and become latest hockey team to adopt a future service dog



Training puppies to become service dogs is easily the greatest new trend in sports. From the minor leagues to the NHL, we’ve seen different hockey teams across North America get in on the trend and we’re hoping it will continue to grow with each passing day.

From the Newfoundland Growlers to the St. Louis Blues, everyone seems to be getting involved and now we can add the Charlotte Checkers, the AHL affiliate of the Carolina Hurricanes, to the growing list.



Big news! We're working with Project2Heal to help train a service dog for someone in need. This adorable puppy will be at some of our practices and games this season. pic.twitter.com/GcEJeXWzjx — Charlotte Checkers (@CheckersHockey) January 15, 2019

The Checkers recently teamed up with Project2Heal, a foundation dedicated to nurturing and training Labrador Retrievers to provide healing for people with physical and emotional challenges, to help train a future service dog. Best part about the whole thing, they’re letting the fans vote on the pupper’s name.



Our name finalists are Charlie, Checker, Calder (after the Calder Cup) and Kelly (after Checkers legend Pat Kelly) — Charlotte Checkers (@CheckersHockey) January 15, 2019

Fans will have a chance to meet the future service dog at the Checkers’ practices and home games for the remainder of the season.



(H/T Twitter/CheckersHockey)