Vilmanis Leads 10 Ex-Checkers Into Olympics
Former Charlotte Checkers standout Alex Vilmanis joins nine other AHL alumni suiting up for their nations at the Winter Olympics, a testament to the pipeline from minor-league grinders to international ice. These guys know the locker room battles that forge champions, and now they're trading bus trips for Olympic rings. With NHL stars on break, this Checkers contingent carries that blue-collar edge into medal contention.
Related Coverage


Hughes' OT Heroics Win U.S. Gold - Teeth and All
Penguins Yank Hayes Back Up From AHL

Morrissey's Injury Timeline Thickens

Rantanen's Olympic Injury Sidelines Stars' Leading Scorer
Wild Foundation Launches State of Hockey Auction Blitz

2026 Winter Olympics Gold Medal Game Thread: Team USA vs Canada

Team USA, Canada to Play for Olympic Gold Sunday; Finland Goes for Bronze Today

The Daily: Lombardi Nets OT Goal Second Day in a Row; Cossa Wins Again

Tkachuk Brings Panthers Cup Rivalry with Oilers to the Olympics, Roasts Draisaitl