CHARLOTTE, NC— The American Hockey League announced today that Checkers captain Bryan Rodney and forward Jerome Samson have been selected to represent the Eastern Conference at the 2011 AHL All-Star Classic in Hershey, PA.

Rodney, 26, leads all Charlotte defensemen in assists (15) and points (20), and leads all Checkers players with nine power-play assists. The London, Ontario native has been recalled to the Carolina Hurricanes twice this season for three games. This is the second AHL All-Star Classic appearance for Rodney, who has recorded 20 goals and 89 assists (109 points) in 199 career AHL games over the past four seasons.

Originally a member of the ECHL Checkers, the 6-foot, 205-pound blueliner tallied his first NHL goal for Carolina against the Washington Capitals on Mar. 25, 2010. Rodney has one goal and 12 assists in 33 career NHL games.

Samson, who makes his first AHL All-Star Game appearance, is currently tied for the league lead in goals (20) and leads all Checkers with 39 points. The 23-year-old winger was named an AHL First-Team All-Star following last season, when he led the Albany River Rats in goals (37), assists (41), and points (78).

Originally signed by Carolina as a free agent, the undrafted Samson has played in seven-career NHL games with the Hurricanes. He earned his first NHL point in his first game with an assist on a goal by Rod Brind’Amour Jan. 7, 2010 at Nashville.

The AHL All-Star Skills Competition will be held Sunday, Jan. 30 and the 2011 AHL All-Star Game on Monday, Jan. 31. More details can be found at www.TheAHL.com.

The Checkers (21-13-5) will travel to Norfolk tonight and will return Thursday to host the Manchester Monarchs. Race Night is this Friday and the Checkers will don special jerseys to be auctioned off after the game. Jersey auction proceeds and a portion of ticket sales will be donated to the Bennett family from Albany, N.Y. For ticket information, please visit www.gocheckers.com/racenight or call 704-342-4423.