The timing couldn't be better. The game at PNC Arena between the Charlotte Checkers and Norfolk Admirals ends up falling on the day the NHL-NHLPA found common ground and agreed on a new collective bargaining agreement.

On a small scale, the fans in Raleigh will be treated to the Checkers' continued chase of the Toronto Marlies for the top spot in the AHL's Western Conference. But there are a lot of big picture things to consider. What kind of reception will the fans give hockey's return to Raleigh? For players like Drayson Bowman, Zach Boychuk, Zac Dalpe, Brett Sutter, Bobby Sanguinetti and others, it is a golden opportunity to show the Carolina brass that they deserve serious consideration one the NHL season kicks off.

Back on the ice, the Checkers are coming off a 4-0 win over Lake Erie Friday, while Norfolk is 0-2-1 in its last three.