Checkers Sign Jamie McGinn To PTO

Details Written by Nicholas Niedzielski Published: October 22, 2019

The Checkers today added a significant piece up front, signing Jamie McGinn to a professional tryout.



A second-round pick by the Sharks in 2006, McGinn has 11 pro seasons under his belt, the majority of which he spent in the NHL. The veteran forward has logged 220 points (117g, 103a) in 617 career games with San Jose, Colorado, Buffalo, Anaheim, Arizona and Florida.



"He’s a bigger guy, a power forward that we kind of lack a little bit," said head coach Ryan Warsofsky. "He’s an older, experienced guy who’s played in the National Hockey League. He knows what it takes to be a pro so he’s going to help these young kids out and he’s going to try to get his game back to the next level."



"I’m excited to be here, this is an organization that thrives on hard work," said McGinn. "I’m excited to be back in a locker room and back around the guys again, I missed it. I’m glad to be back and I can’t wait for this weekend."



The 31-year-old has also appeared in 120 AHL games over his career with 79 points (38g, 41a) to his credit. McGinn split his first three pro seasons between the AHL and NHL before becoming a full-time NHLer with the 2011-12 campaign, but suited up for four games with Springfield last season while rehabbing an injury that had kept him out for most of the year. Jamie, the oldest brother of former Checker and current Hurricane Brock McGinn, put up four points (2g, 2a) during his conditioning stint with the Thunderbirds.



"I took some time off this summer which I really think let things heal," said McGinn. "Getting back into it now feels great. I’m excited for the opportunity and hopefully it can evolve to bigger things and maybe I can go play with my brother Brock. It came down to that once in a lifetime opportunity to play with a family member, that would be pretty special."



"He’s determined, we spoke at length about that," said Warsofsky. "I think he’s going to be a great addition for us and hopefully he can help us win some hockey games."



Additionally, the Checkers have assigned rookie forward Jacob Pritchard to the ECHL’s Greenville Swamp Rabbits. The 24-year-old debuted during last season’s playoffs and has suited up for four of Charlotte’s games this season.