Former Rats react to move to Charlotte

It has been talked about for weeks and was reported in this space last month. Today's the day: The Albany River Rats American Hockey League franchise has been sold and will move to Charlotte to be the Canes' affiliate beginning next season.

Here's some reaction from some of the Canes who have spent considerable time with the Rats the past few seasons.

Goaltender Justin Peters:

"Albany was a great city for us to play. The fans there, the support there is really good. At the same time, that type of thing happens a lot in hockey.

"Charlotte is a lot closer, so I can definitely see why the Hurricanes would decide to do that. For Hurricanes fans it will be a lot closer if they want to go there and see games. Vice versa for the Charlotte fans to come to Raleigh.

"The commute (for callups definitely won't be as far. I go through Charlotte anyway on the way here (from Albany). That's usually where I connect for my flight.

"We got treated really well in the community in Albany and the fan support is good. They have a long history there. It would be really sad if they couldn't get another team there, if that's what ends up happening. I know the fans there really are loyal to the team and it's a beautiful arena. It would sad to see that sit empty."

Forward Patrick Dwyer:

"It's a great situation there in Albany. The fan base is loyal. Maybe not as big as the people had hoped and wanted. But the fans who came were loyal and came nightly. It has a good group of booster clubs. It was good.

"But the travel from Charlotte to Raleigh will be easier and easier to get guys up in time for games. At the same time the travel around (the league) with Charlotte will be that much tougher. There's excitement to see how it goes and how the fan base will be in Charlotte. It will be nice to be close to the parent club.

"It'll be exciting. I was in Chicago (AHL Wolves) and (the travel) wasn't too bad. It kind of gives you more of an NHL feel to your scheduling and stuff. So it's good. I think guys will like it."

Defenseman Brett Carson:

"Obviously the location makes a little more sense. I've heard good things about (Charlotte).

"Obviously, the travel on the days when you get called up the morning before the game will be easier. There's a layover in New York or Philly or Charlotte and it's a pretty long flight to get in (to Raleigh). Having it two hours away will make it easier and makes sense.

"When we come to Norfolk there's always a few (Hurricanes) fans who made the trip to see us. So it's good for the fans to be able to get a feel for the prospects, maybe get to know them better, some of the guys who will be up in the next couple of years."