"Andrew embodied the spirit of Checkers hockey," said Checkers owner Michael Kahn. "He gave 100 percent of himself to the game and to the communities he played in. He organically and authentically established himself as a man who wanted to do nothing more than give back. He sought out opportunities to help and be involved. He was a gentle soul who even after his death is giving the gift of life. We were lucky to have him here in Charlotte and he will be remembered fondly."
"I cannot remember a day that I saw Andrew without a smile on his face," said Checkers COO Tera Black. "He was the type of person that could make you feel better just by being around him. He took his experience as a professional hockey player and maximized every aspect of it. His ability to connect with the people that surrounded him was a gift and it was a true privilege to have known him."
MORE: Shaya's 10 Thoughts: Remembering Andrew Carroll
Carroll played his first professional game with the Checkers on April 4, 2009, following a four-year career at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. He played for Charlotte for the entirety of its final ECHL season in 2009-10, ranking third on the team with 47 points in 61 games and tying for second on the team in playoff scoring with nine points in 11 outings.Following his time with Charlotte, Carroll went on to play five more professional seasons in the AHL and ECHL, most recently with the ECHL’s Idaho Steelheads in 2015-16.
Andrew Carroll, one of the sweetest and most selfless people I've ever known, has passed away. I fondly remember his first years in Charlotte learning what it takes to be a pro. The world today is worse off having lost such a beautiful kid. I pray for the repose of his soul. RIP pic.twitter.com/H4ctgdneDr
— Jason Shaya (@Jason_Shaya) January 23, 2018
I’ll remember this play forever. One thing on his mind and it had nothing to do with a game. Just wanted to bring a smile to a little girl, who was fighting for her life. Skated straight over to let her know that goal was for her https://t.co/lAoPKAOKy7
— Mike Lappan (@MikeLappan) January 23, 2018
I couldn’t tell you of a better teammate, roommate, and friend that I met during my career than Andrew Carrol. I will never forget our rookie season together. Thank you for the memories and RIP brother. #andrewcarroll #charlottecheckers #greenvilleroadwarriors
— Matt Schepke (@schepkem) January 23, 2018
So sad to hear the news today about Andrew Carroll. One the greatest humans I have ever had the pleasure to know. We grew up together playing hockey in Minnesota. We were rookies together. His love and drive for the game poured out of him everytime you saw him. #RIP Brother #MN
— David Marshall (@DjMarsh22) January 23, 2018
We love hockey, but it has always been about the people and Andrew was one the best. Rest easy and Thank you Andrew Carroll. pic.twitter.com/xO8IJtuSjk
— Stephen Schrapper (@tevieboy13) January 23, 2018
I've so been fortunate to meet many pro athletes during my time as fan of @CheckersHockey and there are very few above Andrew Carroll in terms of on-ice work ethic & more importantly off-ice kindness and gracious character. He treated everyone so well. Just devastating. https://t.co/xfTaFmCKVM
— Matt Campbell (@mattispossum) January 23, 2018
