CHARLOTTE, NC— The Charlotte Checkers have agreed to terms with defenseman Chris Snavely and forward Jaime Zimmel, head coach and general manager Derek Wilkinson announced on Thursday.

Snavely, a third-year pro, joins the Checkers after two seasons with the ECHL’s Wheeling Nailers. In 102 games with Wheeling, the 26-year-old native of Lancaster, Pa. tallied seven goals and 26 assists while collecting 68 penalty minutes. He also added two goals and an assist in seven playoff games.

Prior to joining the Nailers, the 5-foot-9, 170-pound blueliner skated four seasons for Michigan State University. In 2006-07 he helped the Spartans capture the NCAA National Championship.

Zimmel joins the Checkers after a four-year college career at Penn State. The 5-foot-9, 188-pound center from Lincroft, N.J. was a member of Team USA at the World University Games in 2009 and comes recommended by Chicago Blackhawks assistant coach Mike Haviland.

The Checkers have also invited forward Riley Hill to training camp on a try-out basis. Hill played the last four seasons at SUNY Plattsburgh where he tallied 47 goals and 57 assists, for 104 points in 110 collegiate games. He helped Plattsburgh capture the SUNYAC Championship in 2008-09.

The Checkers’ schedule is now available and they are getting ready for their 17th season of play as a member of the ECHL and 16th as an affiliate of the New York Rangers. In the team’s 16-year history, the Checkers have made the playoffs 12 times including five consecutive playoff appearances to date. Season tickets are on sale now.  For season ticket information, please call 704-342-4-ICE or visit www.gocheckers.com.