Q-and-A: Checkers coach Derek Wilkinson

The Charlotte Checkers are 16-10-4 at the ECHL's holiday break, and are playing well despite several injuries and players being called up to higher leagues.

Observer staff writer Cliff Mehrtens caught up with coach Derek Wilkinson to discuss the season:
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Q: Your team has played well both on the road (7-5-2 record) and at home (9-5-2). What have you liked about the season so far?

Wilkinson: “I think the reason for our success so far, on both the road and home, is our depth. We have a lot of guys injured and called-up, but we have been able to put quality players on the ice every night.”
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Q: What do the Checkers need to improve upon?

Wilkinson: “We need to improve on both our power play and penalty kill in the second half in order to get to the playoffs.”

(Note: Charlotte's 16 percent power-play scoring average is 14th among 20 ECHL teams, and the Checkers are 18th in penalty killing, at 80.2 percent).
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Q: Comment on the play of Tyler Doig (35 points, fifth in the league) and Michel Leveille (30 points, tied for 12th), who are among the top ECHL scorers.

Wilkinson: “Both Tyler and Michel possess tremendous skill and vision at our level. They are able to see plays develop and have great chemistry. If they stay healthy, I think both will finish in the top five in scoring in our league.”
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Q: What about the goaltending situation? You've had several guys (five) in net. Will the rotation settle in the second half?

Wilkinson: “We have solved our goalie issue for now. Both Miika Wiikman (5-1-2, 2.39 goals-againt average, .916 save percentage) and Ryan Munce (5-1-1, 2.80 GAA, .922 save percentage) are No. 1-type goalies. Both will play down the stretch, and we will ride whoever gives us the best chance to win.”