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Presbyterian Hospital and the Charlotte Checkers announced today that Presbyterian has been chosen as the hockey team's official healthcare provider. The four-year agreement will run through the 2007-08 season.

"We are honored that the Checkers have chosen Presbyterian and pledge to match their commitment to excellence on the ice with a commitment to provide unrivaled health care to the players and their families," said Carl Armato, Presbyterian's president and CEO.

Presbyterian has assembled a team of three physicians to serve team members and their families. Official team physician will be Dr. Jamie Davis of Mid-Atlantic Emergency Medical Associates. The team's orthopedic physician will be Dr. Jerry Barron of Perry & Barron Orthopedics & Sports Medicine. Serving as the Checkers' primary care physician will be Dr. Joe Garcia of Lakeside Family Physicians-Huntersville.

"The Charlotte Checkers are sincerely proud to enter into this exciting relationship with Presbyterian," said Carl Scheer, CEO of the Checkers. "The combined presence of our two organizations in the community is something that we feel is both important and invaluable. Not only will our players and their families enjoy the finest health care Charlotte has to offer, but this partnership will also result in benefits for the entire city. We look forward to working with the great people at Presbyterian for years to come."

Armato said, "This partnership will provide a wonderful opportunity to promote our annual Hemby Cup Hockey game in a new and exciting way." The Hemby Cup pits hockey teams from Microsoft and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. Proceeds from the charitable event benefit Presbyterian's Hemby Children's Hospital and Childrens Emergency Department. The 4th annual Hemby Cup will be played on Saturday, November 6, at Cricket Arena.

In addition, Presbyterian's logo will appear at center ice, signs will be placed on dasher boards and the team will wear a Presbyterian logo patch on their home and away uniforms. Presbyterian also will sponsor the pre-game injury report and will be the title sponsor of the team's annual teddy bear toss that collects teddy bears for needy children during the holiday season.

The Checkers are members of the ECHL and are an affiliate of both the AHL's Hartford Wolf Pack and the National Hockey League's New York Rangers. The team's 2004-05 home opener is set for October 30 against the Columbia Inferno.

Presbyterian Healthcare, an integrated healthcare organization based in Charlotte, NC, is affiliated with Novant Health, a private, not-for-profit health system in North Carolina. Presbyterian is rated best in North Carolina for Cardiology and Orthopaedic Services by HealthGrades, the national healthcare rating firm. Novant Health has been recognized as one of "10 Best Companies for Working Mothers" by Working Mother Magazine and one of the "Top 40 Family-Friendly NC Companies" by Charlotte Parent Magazine. Presbyterian includes five hospitals, physician clinics, and outpatient services.