Welch joins the Checkers for his first season as the head athletic trainer and will oversee the administration and organization of all aspects of health care related to the team.

A native of Rochester, N.Y., Welch received his B.S. in physical education from the State University of New York College at Brockport. He comes to Charlotte after working the past one and a half seasons with the Arizona Sundogs of the Central Hockey League. In only their second season of play in the CHL, the Sundogs were able to capture the 2008 Ray Miron President's Cup as CHL champions last season.

Prior to his experience in professional hockey, Welch worked for a physical therapy clinic in Rochester for two years as the head athletic trainer at various high schools. He moved to Augusta, Ga. in 2005 to work for Doctors Hospital as an athletic trainer in their Sports Medicine Department.

"I am very excited to join this established organization and look forward to a great season of working with the Checkers," said Welch. "With the great fan support and the beautiful facilities, this is a wonderful opportunity to get back to the east coast and be closer to friends and family."

Schachner will assist Checkers head equipment manager Mike Brown with all aspects of the team's equipment needs. He joins the team after spending seven seasons with the Columbia Inferno. Schachner started as the team's massage therapist before moving to the role of assistant equipment manager and then taking over the head role last season. With his help, the Inferno were able to make it all the way to the South Division finals this past season.