Hockey Insider

Checkers' Carroll plays for love of game

2010-01-19T18:10:00.001-05:00

A feature on Charlotte Checker rookie Andrew Carroll, from the NHL's website:

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=514154

Checkers rally in Georgia for victory

2010-01-18T18:01:00.002-05:00

GWINNETT, Ga. - The Charlotte Checkers scored the final four goals to beat the Gwinnett Gladiators 6-4 in an ECHL game Monday afternoon.

Andrew Carroll continued his sizzling scoring with two goals and two assists. He scored the winning goal in a home shootout victory Sunday against Kalamazoo, and has 13 points (seven goals, six assists) in the past eight games.

Charlotte (21-13-5) erased deficits of 2-0, 3-1 and 4-2. David Marshall and Carroll scored power-play goals four minutes apartin the third period. Carroll poked in a rebound of Tyler Doig’s shot to give the Checkers a 6-4 lead. It was Carroll’s team-leading 18th goal, and his fourth winner (also a team high).

Daniel Tkaczuk’s empty-net goal with eight seconds left clinched it for Charlotte, which has won two games in a row and is on a 3-0-1 streak against Gwinnett.

Doig had a goal and two assists, and Tkaczuk and Matt Schepke had a goal and an assist apiece. Michel Leveille and Tkaczuk extended their scoring streaks to four games.

Checkers: Most goals in three years

2010-01-13T22:05:00.003-05:00

The Charlotte Checkers' 9-4 home victory against Gwinnett on Wednesday was Charlotte's most goals since a 10-3 victory over Wheeling on Oct. 20, 2006.

Nine Checkers scored a goal.

Michel Leveille had a goal and three assists, and Andrew Carroll, Aaron Slattengren, Tyler Doig and Matt Schepke had a goal and two assists apiece.

Kevin Schaeffer, Julien Brouillette, Daniel Tkaczuk and Kenny Roche had a goal for the Checkers, who snapped a three-game losing streak.

Charlotte's five goals in the second period tied the ECHL season-high for goals in a period.

Checkers' tough guy suspended four games

2010-01-13T21:49:00.002-05:00

Charlotte Checkers defenseman T.J. Reynolds, the team enforcer, was suspended four games by the ECHL and fined an undisclosed amount for wildly swinging his stick in a road game Saturday.

While exiting the ice against Kalamazoo after being assessed a misconduct penalty late in the third period, Reynolds raised his stick and motioned it toward spectators, and slammed the stick into the protective overhang.

“It has been clearly communicated to our teams and players that, regardless of the circumstances, any negative interaction or contact with fans, physical or otherwise, will not be tolerated,” ECHL vice president of hockey operations Mike Murray said in a statement. “Fortunately there were no injuries as a result of this incident.”

Reynolds missed Wednesday's home game, and will sit out at Gwinnett (Saturday), against Kalamazoo (Sunday) and at Gwinnett (Monday).

Checkers' Graham returns

2010-01-04T20:18:00.002-05:00

Defenseman Ethan Graham returned to the Charlotte Checkers on Monday after a 16-game stint in the American Hockey League.

Graham, 27, has identical offensive statistics - one goal and three assists - in six games with Charlotte and 16 games with the AHL's Norfolk Admirals.

Charlotte (17-10-4) will host the South Carolina Stingrays at 7 p.m. Wednesday.

Wilkinson to coach ECHL all-stars

2010-01-03T14:09:00.002-05:00

Charlotte Checkers coach Derek Wilkinson was named to the ECHL All-Star Game. He will co-coach the American Conference squad with South Carolina Stingrays coach Cail MacLean.

The ECHL All-Star Game will be Jan. 20 in Ontario, Calif.

Wilkinson, 35, is in his sixth full season as coach. He began midway through the 2003-04 season, and has become Charlotte's career leader in victories. Wilkinson is 210-171-38 heading into Sunday's home game against Gwinnett.

It will be the first all-star appearance for Wilkinson, who was selected using a combination of win percentage and votes from coaches in the American Conference. The Checkers (16-10-4) are sixth in the ECHL with a .600 winning percentage.

Prior to coaching, Wilkinson played seven professional seasons as a goaltender, including parts of four seasons in the NHL. He was the first goalie selected by the Tampa Bay Lightning, who picked him in the seventh round (145th overall) in the 1992 NHL Entry Draft.

Checkers trade goalie; lose all-star

2010-01-03T13:55:00.004-05:00

The Charlotte Checkers traded goalie Frank Doyle to the Alaska Aces for future considerations.

Charlotte also lost winger Matt Schepke, who on Thursday was named to the ECHL All-Star Game. Schepke was loaned to the Albany River Rats of the American Hockey League.

Schepke, 25, leads Checkers rookies with 17 points (10 goals and seven assists).

Doyle, 29, was 3-2-0 in five games, with a 3.42 goals-against average and .896 save percentage.

Checkers' Schepke named ECHL all-star

2009-12-31T18:06:00.001-05:00

Charlotte Checkers rookie winger Matt Schepke was picked for the ECHL All-Star Game in Ontario, Calif. on Jan. 20.

Schepke, who played at Michigan State, has 10 goals and seven assists on 28 games. His 17 points leads Charlotte rookies, and Schepke is third on the team with a +10 rating.

Schepke is one of 11 rookies on the American Conference all-star squad, and 19 of the 21 players will be making their first ECHL all-star appearance.

“Matt brings great energy and physical play to our team,” Checkers coach Derek Wilkinson said. “Because of that he has managed to put up some goals and has obviously done enough to be voted in by the media and coaches.”

On Nov. 20, Schepke, a native of Warren, Mich. recorded a hat trick, including the winner in a 7-4 victory against Johnstown. He had nine goals and four assists in an 11-game span in November.

The starting lineups are determined in voting by American Conference coaches, team captains, media directors, broadcasters and media. Coaches submitted the top prospects from within their conference to determine the final roster, with each of the 12 teams having a representative.

The American Conference starters will be goalie Todd Ford (South Carolina), defensemen J.C. Sawyer (Toledo) and Zach Tarkir (South Carolina), and forwards Justin Donati (Elmira), Ben Gordon (Reading) and Jacob Micflikier (Florida).

Q-and-A: Checkers coach Derek Wilkinson

2009-12-31T15:36:00.004-05:00

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.”

ECHL names National Conference all-stars

2009-12-30T16:47:00.002-05:00

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The ECHL on Wednesday announced the starting lineup and roster of the National Conference team for the 2010 ECHL All-Star Game.

All-stars for the American Conference, which includes the Charlotte Checkers, will be announced Thursday.

The game will be hosted by the Ontario Reign on Jan. 20 at Citizens Business Bank Arena, with the ECHL All-Star Skills Competition on Jan. 19.

There are 11 rookies on the National Conference squad, and 18 of the 21 players are making their first ECHL All-Star appearance.

Fifty-eight players from the All-Star Game who have gone on to play in the National Hockey League, including 33 since 2002 when the lineups began having players who coaches felt were prospects to move up to a higher level.

National Conference Starters
G - David Shantz, Victoria (14 gp, 8-2-3, 2 shutouts, 2.35 GAA, .927 save pct.)
D - Robbie Bina, Las Vegas (21 gp, 4g, 14a, 18 pts)
D - David Walker, Ontario (30 gp, 2g, 19a, 21 pts)
F - Greg Hogeboom, Ontario (31 gp, 17g, 11a, 28 pts)
F - Ryan Kinasewich, Utah (22 gp, 20g, 20a, 40 pts)
F - John Lammers, Alaska (17 gp, 15g, 13a, 28 pts)

The starting lineups are determined in voting by National Conference coaches, team captains, media directors, broadcasters and media members. Coaches also submitted the top prospects from within their conference to determine the final roster with each of the nine teams having a representative.

The host Ontario Reign have two starters with defenseman David Walker and forward Greg Hogeboom as well as rookie forward Peter Lenes and forward Jon Rheault. Walker leads ECHL defensemen with 19 assists and 11 power-play assists is tied for second with 21 points and 11 power-play points in 30 games. It is the second All-Star selection for Hogeboom, who had an assist for the American Conference in its 6-3 win in the 2007 ECHL All-Star Game in Boise, Idaho. Hogeboom leads Ontario with 17 goals and 28 points in 31 games. Lenes is tied for the ECHL rookie lead with two shorthand goals and is tied for second with two shorthand points while he is second on the team with 11 goals and fifth with 18 points in 31 games. Rheault, who is currently on loan to Manchester of the American Hockey League, is third on the team with 10 goals and sixth with 16 points in 15 games.

David Shantz of Victoria is making his first start and second All-Star appearance, having played for the American Conference in the 2007 ECHL All-Star Game. Shantz, who is under contract to Abbotsford of the AHL, is 8-2-3 and leads the ECHL with a save percentage of .927 while his two shutouts are tied for the league lead and his goals-against average of 2.35 is second. Also representing the Salmon Kings will be rookie defenseman Taylor Ellington, who is under contract to the Vancouver Canucks of the NHL. Ellington has 11 points (2g-9a) in 22 games.

Ryan Kinasewich of Utah is making his first start and second All-Star appearance, having scored a goal and assisted on the game-winning goal for the National Conference in its 6-2 win in 2005 at Reading, Pa. He leads the ECHL with 20 goals and 20 power-play points while his five game-winning goals and seven power-play goals tie him for the league lead and his 13 power-play assists and 40 points in 22 games are tied for second. Also representing Utah will be rookie defenseman Vic Bartley, who is under contract to and currently called up to Bridgeport of the AHL, and forward AJ Perry. Perry is tied for 11th in the league with 30 points (12g-18a) in 27 games while Bartley has 13 points (2g-11a) in 21 games.

Alaska will be represented by starting forward John Lammers and rookie forward Nick Mazzolini. Lammers is tied for the league lead with seven power-play goals and has 28 points (15g-13a) in 17 games. Mazzolini is tied for fifth among ECHL rookies with 13 goals and is tied for 14th with 21 points in 20 games.

Representing Las Vegas will be starter Robbie Bina, who is tied for fifth among league defensemen with 14 assists and tied for eighth with 18 points in 21 games.

Bakersfield has four selections with rookie goaltender Timo Pielmeier, defenseman Eric Regan and rookie forwards Dan Sexton and MacGregor Sharp, who are all under contract to Anaheim of the National Hockey League. Pielmeier is 12-7-2 with a goals-against average of 2.86 and a save percentage of .890 in 22 games. He is tied for second in wins while ranking third with 1,257 minutes and on Dec. 19, 2009 at Utah became the 10th goaltender in ECHL history to score a goal. Sexton, who is currently playing in the NHL with the Anaheim Ducks, is tied for the league rookie lead with two shorthand goals and tied for second with two shorthand points. He is tied for fifth among league rookies with 13 goals and is tied for seventh with 26 points despite not playing in the ECHL since Nov. 22. Sharp, who became the first skater to go directly to the NHL from the ECHL when Anaheim called him up on Nov. 19, has 14 points (4g-10a) in 15 games for Bakersfield. He is currently playing in the AHL for San Antonio where he has six points (3g-3a) in nine games. Regan is tied for the lead among ECHL defensemen with five power-play goals while his four game-winning goals are second among defenseman and tied for fifth overall. He is tied for second among league defensemen with nine goals and tied for fifth with 19 points in 30 games.

Idaho has four rookies on the team with goaltender Richard Bachman, defenseman Brendan Milnamow and forwards Evan Barlow and John Swanson. Bachman, who is under contract to the Dallas Stars of the NHL, is 9-3-1 with a shutout and leads the league with a goals-against average of 2.12 while ranking third in save percentage with .917. Barlow is tied for the league rookie lead with seven power-play goals while his 12 power-play points tie him for fourth and his 27 points (12g-15a) in 28 games are tied for fifth. Swanson is tied for 12th among rookies with 22 points (9g-13a) while Milnamow, who is under contract to the Texas Stars of the AHL, has 14 points (2g-12a) in 31 games.

Stockton will be represented by forward Judd Blackwater, who is tied for the league lead with seven power-play goals. He leads the Thunder with 13 goals and is tied for the team lead with 27 points in 29 games.

The game has been available live on the NHL Network the last seven years as well as being broadcast on multiple regional networks. The audio broadcast has been carried on XM Satellite Radio as well as being available in all ECHL markets.

Checkers: Oh no, not the Stingrays AGAIN !

2009-12-18T18:56:00.002-05:00

Is it just me, or does the ECHL schedule seem whacked when the Checkers play FIVE straight games against the same team, in an 8-day span ?

Nothing against the South Carolina Stingrays - they're the ECHL's leader this season after winning the title last season. But it gets stale for the fans, and probably the players, to see the same foe in the ECHL's version of "Groundhog Day."

Anyway, Game 3 is tonight in Charlotte. Game 4 will be tomorrow in North Charleston, and Game 5 will be 2 p.m. at Time Warner Cable Arena on Sunday.

Here's some tidbits:

South Carolina Stingrays (20-6-4) at Charlotte Checkers (14-7-4)

• Tyler Doig leads the Checkers against South Carolina with nine points and seven assists in five games.

• Rookie Nikita Kashirsky leads the Stingrays against Charlotte with four goals and is tied for lead with five points.

• Charlotte defenseman T.J. Reynolds is tied for second in the ECHL with a plus-minus rating of +15.

• Stingrays have won 11 in a row, one win shy of team record 12 consecutive wins from Nov. 28-Dec. 1, 2007

Charlotte Checkers notes....

2009-12-08T18:14:00.001-05:00

Tuesday roster moves:
Goalie Miika Wiikman was activated from injured reserve, and goalie Frank Doyle was placed on the three-day IR.

Monday’s roster move:
The Checkers claimed veteran forward Mike Harder, who was waived by the Trenton Devilss. Harder had three goals and 13 assists in 22 games.
He’s 36, and scored 43 points in 42 games with Charlotte in 2004-05. Harder played the past four seasons in Italy.

Charlotte is tied for second in the league with 4.00 goals per game.

Defenseman Julien Brouillette has a three-game point streak (1g-3a) and nine points (2g-7a) in the past seven games.
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Previewing Wednesday’s game:

Charlotte Checkers (12-6-2) at Florida Everblades (11-9-4)
7:30 p.m.; Germain Arena, Estero, Fla.
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Both teams have 26 points, but Charlotte has played four fewer games. … Daniel Tkaczuk, Charlotte’s hottest scorer with 18 points in 12 games, was loaned to Syracuse (American Hockey League) and rookie Andrew Carroll was loaned to Hartford (AHL). …Randy Rowe has nine points in six games since being activated off injured reserve. …T.J. Reynolds leads ECHL defensemen with 94 penalty minutes and 10 fighting penalties, and leads Charlotte with a +12 rating. … Defenseman Tysen Dowzak was assigned to Charlotte by the New York Rangers. Dowzak played two exhibitions with the Checkers before being reassigned to Bossier-Shreveport (Central Hockey League), where he two assists in 16 games. …Michel Leveille’s 24 points is sixth in the league. …Charlotte is 4-3-1 on the road; Florida is on an 0-2-1 skid. … Charlotte is tied for second in ECHL scoring (four goals per game), and Florida’s 3.00 goals-against average is third-best in the league. …The teams also will play at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, in Florida.

Checkers roster moves

2009-11-27T15:48:00.003-05:00

Defenseman Kevin Schaeffer was loaned to Lake Erie (American Hockey League). In eight games, he had two assists. Schaeffer, 24, spent most of last season with Providence (AHL).
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Rookie forward Jason Lawrence was traded to Gwinnett for future considerations. He had one goal and one assist in seven games.
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Goalie Ryan Munce was activated off injured reserve. He seaparated his shoulder in the season opener.
Last season, with the now-defunct Mississippi Sea Wolves, Munce was 24-24-5 with a 3.21 goals-against average and .915 save percentage. He led the ECHL in games (54), minutes (3,219), shots against (2,024), saves (1,852) and shootout wins (6).
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Goalie Miika Wiikman was recalled by Hartford (American Hockey League).

Forward Aaron Slattengren was transferred to the 21-day injured reserver.

Derek Couture remains on loan to Hartford, Matt Ford remains with Lake Erie (AHL) and defenseman Ethan Graham is with Norfolk (AHL)…Trevor Glass remains on the 21-day injured reserve.

Checkers: Best offense in the ECHL

2009-11-27T15:41:00.003-05:00

The Charlotte Checkers are scoring goals like they've never done in their 17-year ECHL history.

Charlotte has scored six or more goals in five straight games, and is the ECHL's highest-scoring team (4.33 goals per game).

The latest outburst was a 6-3 victory at Gwinnett on Thanksgiving night, in which Daniel Tkaczuk had a hat trick and two assists. Randy Rowe, playing his first game of the season after returning from an injury, had a goal and two assists. The Checkers also had goals from Jean-Philipp Chabot and Matt Schepke.

Charlotte has 65 goals in 15 games, and a 10-3-2 record.

Checkers sign ex-NHLer and all-star goalie

2009-11-13T21:05:00.002-05:00

The Charlotte Checkers signed former Calgary Flames forward Daniel Tkaczuk and former ECHL All-Star Game MVP goalie Frank Doyle on Friday.

Both were in uniform for the home game against Elmira.

Tkaczuk, 30, was Calgary's first-round draft pick in 1997, and played the past six seasons in the German Elite League, Finnish Elite League and Italian League.

He played four seasons in the American Hockey League, and was on a Calder Cup-winning Saint John team in 2000. He scored four goals and seven assists in a midseason call-up to the NHL (with Calgary) in 2000-01.

"Daniel came to us through a recommendation from New York Rangers pro scout Peter Stephan," Checkers coach Derek Wilkinson said. "He has top-end speed and great play-making abilities and will certainly be an offensive leader for us."

Doyle, 29, played ast season in the German Elite League, where he was 13-20-0 with a 3.07 goals against average and .903 save percentage in 47 games with the Cologne Sharks.

He also played three seasons in the AHL with the Lowell Devils and Albany River Rats. Doyle played one ECHL season with the Idaho Steelheads in 2004-05, posting a 32-13-4 record with a 2.16 GAA and .916 save percentage. He took home Most Valuable Player honors at the 2005 ECHL All-Star Game and was named to the ECHL All-Rookie Team.

"We are pleased to find Frank this late in the season," Wilkinson said. "He is an excellent goalie and should add stability to a position that has been in flux since game one."

-- Goaltender Billy Sauer was recalled by the Lake Erie Monsters (AHL).

Checkers coach, player suspended

2009-11-08T09:53:00.004-05:00

Charlotte Checkers coach Derek Wilkinson and winger Devin DiDiomete have been suspended by the ECHL for misbehavior near the end of a home loss to Florida on Thursday.

Wilkinson was suspended one game for throwing a water bottle onto the ice. He'll miss Sunday's home game against Kalamazoo.

DiDiomete, 21, was suspended three games and fined an undisclosed amount.

DiDiomete is a New York Rangers prospect and was playing his second game with Charlotte after being assigned from Hartford (American Hockey League). He was assessed a major penalty for fighting and a game misconduct penalty for aggression with 15 seconds left. He will miss today's game, and games against Elmira (Friday) and South Carolina (Saturday).

DiDiomete led Hartford in penalty minutes last season with 239 in 73 games last season.

- Cliff Mehrtens

Former Checker makes NHL debut

2009-11-07T09:00:00.003-05:00

Former Charlotte Checkers center Tom Pyatt made his NHL debut with the Montreal Canadiens in a 2-1 shootout victory at Boston on Thursday.

He played nearly 12 minutes spread over 17 shifts.

Pyatt, 22, was picked in the fourth round (107th overall) by the New York Rangers in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.

He played for the Checkers as a rookie in 2007-08 and had 15 points (6 goals, 9 assists) in 16 games, and appeared in three Kelly Cup playoff games.

- Cliff Mehrtens

Checkers to aid girl, 7, battling cancer

2009-11-06T13:55:00.001-05:00

The Charlotte Checkers will host "Fight for Ellie" at Sunday’s home game, to raise funds for Ellie Potvin, a 7-year-old battling Stage 4 Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of cancer.

The Checkers will host the Kalamazoo Wings at 2 p.m. at Time Warner Cable Arena.

Last season, the hockey team hosted a similar night and raised nearly $10,000 for Ellie’s treatment and family expenses. Ellie’s cancer went into remission after 10 months, but has since returned.

“Last season we had the pleasure of welcoming Ellie and the Potvin clan into the Checkers family and committed to them that we were in this for the long term,” said Tera Black, the Checkers chief operating officer. “Now, as the Potvins face the next stage of their journey, we have resumed our commitment and will be doing everything that we can to raise funds and spirits.”

Last year, Ellie and her family were met on the ice by the players, a video tribute was played and she was named the first star of the game.

Fundraiser tickets can be purchased for $15, with $6 going directly to the family. For information go to www.gocheckers.com/ellie, or contact Danielle Adkins at 704-444-1876 or dadkins@gocheckers.com.

Charlotte's Slattengren suspended one game

2009-10-27T22:39:00.002-04:00

Charlotte Checkers right wing Aaron Slattengren was suspended one game by the ECHL for checking from behind against an unsuspecting opponent.

Slattengren delivered the hit in the first period of Saturday's road game against the Florida Everblades. He was assessed a minor penalty for boarding.

He will miss the game at Gwinnett on Friday, and was fined an undisclosed amount.

- Cliff Mehrtens

Checkers falter in 3rd, lose at Florida

2009-10-23T23:02:00.001-04:00

The Charlotte Checkers, after rallying to tie with two third-period goals, couldn't hold on and lost 5-3 to the Florida Everblades in an ECHL game in Estero, Fla.

The teams will play again at 7:30 p.m. today.

Florida (2-1-1), playing its first home game, jumped to a 2-0 lead in the first period on goals by defensemen Cleve Kinley (on a power play) and Elgin Reid four minutes apart.

The Everblades outshot Charlotte 24-12 through two periods, but the Checkers (1-1-0) scored on their first two shots in the third period.

Ryan Garlick scored on a power play to cut the lead to 2-1, and Charlotte's Michel Leveille tied it less than four minutes later.

Florida scored two goals in a 90-second span midway through the third to take a 4-2 lead.

Leveille scored his second goal for the Checkers with 30 seconds left, but Florida sealed it with an empty-net goal with 16 seconds left.

Matt Zaba, who stopped 30 of 34 shots, took the loss in net.

Ethan Graham, Matthew Ford, Aaron Slattengren and Garlick had assists for Charlotte.

Charlotte Checkers roster moves

2009-10-13T09:44:00.002-04:00

The Charlotte Checkers trimmed their training camp roster by four to 27 on Monday.

Defenseman Kevin Schaeffer was loaned to the American Hockey League’s Lake Erie Monsters and goaltender Miika Wiikman was recalled by the AHL’s Hartford Wolfpack.

Also, forward Jaime Zimmel and defenseman Luke Lucyk were released.

Coach Derek Wilkinson said the final roster will be 20 to 22 players, depending on injuries and the salary cap. Camp will continue though Thursday and the Checkers will travel to North Charleston on Saturday to open the season against the defending Kelly Cup Champion South Carolina Stingrays.

- Cliff Mehrtens

Checkers win ECHL opener

2009-10-09T20:19:00.005-04:00

Charlotte hangs on to win 5-3...Goalie Billy Sauer stopped all 11 shots he faced in the third period. He relieved Ryan Munce, who played the first two periods and stopped 19-of-22.

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Third period: Checkers go ahead 5-3 on goals by Matt Schepke and Jean-Phillip Chabot two minutes apart early in the period.

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Second period: It's tied 3-3 as the teams combined for five goals in the period.

After South Carolina tied the game at 1, Charlotte's Tyler Doig scored on a 5-on-3 advantage for a 2-1 lead. Then the Checkers, killing a penalty, went up 3-1 on Chris Chapell's shorthanded goal.

The Stingrays scored the next two goals to tie the game at 3, the last being by Lyon Messier at 12:07. He's the son of former NHL great Mark Messier.

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Chris Capraro scored 22 seconds into the game to give the Charlotte Checkers a 1-0 lead against the South Carolina Stingrays in the ECHL exhibition opener Friday night.

Matt Schepke and Ryan Hillier assisted on the goal.

Checkers goalie Ryan Munce made 10 saves in the first period.

- Cliff Mehrtens

Checkers missing coach in exhibition opener

2009-10-09T19:44:00.002-04:00

Charlotte Checkers coach Derek Wilkinson didn't make the trip to North Charleston for tonight's ECHL exhibition opener against the South Carolina Stingrays.

Wilkinson's wife Terri gave birth to the couple's second daughter (Lola) on Wednesday.

Assistant coach Jason Dawes will fill in for Wilkinson.

Wilkinson, in his seventh season as Checkers coach, will return to the team for Saturday's home exhibition at 1:30 p.m. at the Extreme Ice Center in Indian Trail.

- Cliff Mehrtens

Fourteen Checkers in AHL camps

2009-09-23T07:02:00.005-04:00

Fourteen Charlotte Checkers will skate in American Hockey League training camps this month.

Players who were Checkers last season attending AHL camps are Julien Brouillette (Manitoba Moose), Andrew Carroll (Hartford Wolfpack), Ethan Graham (Milwaukee Admirals), Luke Lucyk (Hartford), Matt Schepke (Hartford), Mike Taylor (Milwaukee) and Steve Ward (Hartford).

Matt Ford, an ECHL all-star last season who remains property of the Checkers, will attend Lake Erie's camp.

New Checkers who will begin this season in AHL camps are Derek Couture (Hartford), Tyler Doig (Hartford), T.J. Reynolds (Lake Erie Monsters), Randy Rowe (Lake Erie), Kevin Schaeffer (Lake Erie) and Jaime Zimmel (Rockford IceHogs).

"Having so many high-caliber signings this season is a testament to the hockey experience, quality of life and facilities here in Charlotte,” Checkers coach Derek Wilkinson said. “We look forward to showcasing this talent come opening night.”

- Cliff Mehrtens

Checkers add veteran defender, two rookie forwards

2009-09-17T14:46:00.002-04:00

The Charlotte Checkers added three players Thursday:

-- Chris Snavely, 25, a defenseman who played the past two seasons with the Wheeling Nailers (ECHL). Last season, Snavely had three goals and 12 assists in 45 games. He played four seasons at Michagan State, including the national championship team in 2007.

-- Riley Hill, a forward who played the past four seasons at SUNY-Plattsburgh.

-- Jaime Zimmel, a forward who played at Penn State the past four years.

- Cliff Mehrtens

Checkers sign two forwards

2009-09-16T20:02:00.002-04:00

The Charlotte Checkers added experience, toughness and scoring by signing forwards Derek Couture and Kenny Roche.

Couture, 25, split last season between Binghamton (American Hockey League), Elmira (ECHL) and Alba Volan (Austrian Hockey League). In 21 games with Elmira, Couture had six goals, 14 assists and 53 penalty minutes. He also had four points in seven playoff games, with 37 penalty minutes.

“Derek adds some much-needed toughness to our forward group,” coach Derek Wilkinson said. “Not only will he deal out punishment to the opposing teams, he has also shown a nice scoring touch.”

Couture will attend training camp with the Hartford Wolfpack of the AHL.

Roche, 25, spent last season with the Lausitzer Foxes of the German Second League. In 40 games, he had 14 goals and 14 assists.

The 6-foot, 205-pound winger was a third-round pick of the New York Rangers in the 2003 NHL Draft before completing his collegiate career at Boston University. At BU, he was a teammate of recent Checkers signee Kevin Schaeffer and helped the Terriers capture three Beanpot Tournament Championships.

- Cliff Mehrtens

Checkers sign solid forward, defenseman

2009-09-08T16:36:00.002-04:00

The Charlotte Checkers signed veteran forward Randy Rowe and defenseman Kevin Schaeffer on Tuesday.

Rowe, 29, split last season with the Johnstown Chiefs (ECHL) and Lake Erie Monsters (American Hockey League). In 33 gmes with Johnstown, he had 12 goals and 19 assists. Rowe had six goals and seven assists in 37 games with Lake Erie.

Rowe led Johnstown in scoring in 2007-08 with 23 goals and 44 assists in 58 games. In 2004, he was picked for the ECHL all-star game, and was named the game's most valuable player.

“Randy is a tremendous player whose All-Star resume speaks for itself,” Checkers coach Derek Wilkinson said. “He is a former team captain and leads by example.”

Schaeffer, 24, spent most of last season with the Providence Bruins of the AHL. In 48 games, he had three assists and 14 penalty minutes. He also skated for the ECHL’s Reading Royals, appearing in six games while adding six penalty minutes.

“We are excited about the addition of Kevin to our lineup,” Wilkinson said. “He is a top-line defenseman that we can use in all situations and will match up against the other teams’ top players.”

Both players will attend the Lake Erie Monsters training camp this month.

- Cliff Mehrtens

Checkers schedule includes a midnight home game

2009-08-31T18:17:00.002-04:00

A midnight hockey home game – the first in team history – highlighted the Charlotte Checkers’ 2009-10 schedule released Monday.

The team, beginning its 17th ECHL season, will play a midnight game Thursday Feb. 18 against the Toledo Walleye at TimeWarner Cable Arena. Luckily, the Checkers will be idle the next two days.

“We really wanted to get creative with our schedule,” said Tera Black, Charlotte’s chief operating officier. “We decided to try a midnight game, and do some fun promotions wrapped around it.”

The 72-game season will begin with four road games. The opener will be Oct. 17 in North Charleston, S.C. against the South Carolina Stingrays, the reigning ECHL champion.

Charlotte’s home opener will be 2 p.m. Sunday Nov. 1 against the Gwinnett Gladiators. It will be the first of several “Skate With The Checkers” games where fans can skate with the players afterward.

Sunday games were moved up two hours from last season’s 4 p.m. starts. It a move, Black says, that allows families to have Sunday mornings free, and still get home at a reasonable time.

Two new ECHL teams – the Kalamazoo Wings and Toledo – will each visit Charlotte twice.
Aside from the midnight game, home games will be at 7 p.m. on weekdays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. on Sundays.

Training camp will begin Oct. 1, and the home exhibition will be Oct. 10 at Extreme Ice Center in Indian Trail. Tickets to the exhibition are free for season-ticket holder, and $10 for the general public. Ticket information: 704-342-4423.
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Charlotte Checkers’ Schedule
Oct. 17 - at South Carolina, 7:05 p.m.
Oct. 23 - at Florida, 7:30
Oct. 24 - at Florida, 7:30
Oct. 28 - at Gwinnett, 7:05
Nov. 1 -vs. Gwinnett, 2
Nov. 4 - vs. Florida, 7
Nov. 5 - vs. Florida, TBA
Nov. 8 - vs. Kalamazoo, 2
Nov. 13 - vs. Elmira, 7
Nov. 14 - at South Carolina, 7:05
Nov 15 - vs.Elmira, 2
Nov. 18 – vs.South Carolina, 7
Nov. 20 – vs. Johnstown, 7
Nov 21 - vs. Johnstown, 7
Nov 26 - at Gwinnett, 7
Nov 28 - at Gwinnett, 7
Nov 29 - vs.Gwinnett, 2
Dec 2 - vs. Gwinnett, 7
Dec 4 – vs. Elmira, 7
Dec 6 - at Gwinnett, 4:05
Dec 9 - at Florida, 7:30
Dec 11 - at Florida, 7:30
Dec 12 - at Florida, 7:30
Dec 13 - at South Carolina, 4:05
Dec 16 – vs. South Carolina, 7
Dec 18 - vs. South Carolina, 7
Dec 19 - at South Carolina, 7
Dec 20 - vs. South Carolina, 2
Dec 26 - vs. Florida, 7
Dec 27 - at South Carolina, 4
Jan 3 - vs. Gwinnett, 2
Jan 6 – vs. South Carolina, 7
Jan 8 - at Kalamazoo, 7
Jan 9 - at Kalamazoo, 7
Jan 10 - at Toledo, 5:30
Jan 13 – vs. Gwinnett, 7
Jan 16 - at Gwinnett, 7
Jan 17 – vs. Kalamazoo, 2
Jan 18 - at Gwinnett, 12:30
Jan 22 – Wheeling, 7
Jan 27 - at Cincinnati, 7:30
Jan 29 - at Johnstown, 7:05
Jan 20 - at Reading, 7:05
Jan 31 - at Johnstown, 5:30
Feb 4 – vs. Florida, 7
Feb 5 – vs. Florida, 7
Feb 7 - vs. Toledo, 2
Feb 10 - vs. South Carolina, 7
Feb 12 - at Gwinnett, 7
Feb 13 - at Gwinnett, 7
Feb 18 – vs. Toledo, midnight
Feb 21 - at Gwinnett, 4:05
Feb 26 - at Cincinnati, 7:30
Feb 27 - at Kalamazoo, 7:30
Fri 28 - at Kalamazoo, 4
Mar 3 – vs. Cincinnati , 7
Mar 5 - at Wheeling, 7
Mar 6 - at Toledo, 7
Mar 7 - at Toledo, 2
Mar 11 – vs. Gwinnett, 7
Mar 13 – vs. Gwinnett, 7
Mar 14 - vs. Gwinnett, 2
Mar 17 - at Elmira, 7:05
Mar 18 - at Reading, 7:05
Mar 19 – vs. Trenton, 7
Mar 23 – vs. Florida, 7
Mar 25 – vs. Florida, 7
Mar 27 – vs. Reading, 7
Mar 28 – vs. Reading, 2
Mar 30 – vs. Gwinnett, 7
Apr 2 - at Florida, 7:30
Apr 3 - at Florida, 7:30

Checkers hire Dawe as assistant coach

2009-08-27T18:30:00.003-04:00

The Charlotte Checkers named former NHL player Jason Dawe an assistant coach.

Dawe, 36, played eight seasons in the NHL with the Buffalo Sabres, New York Islanders, Montreal Canadiens and New York Rangers. In 366 career games, Dawe scored 86 goals and 90 assists.

In 2004-05, his last professional season, Dawe skated for the Checkers, and had 13 goals and 18 assists in 49 games, helping the team reach the ECHL conference finals. Dawe remained in the Charlotte area coaching youth hockey.

“We are fortunate to have someone of Jason's ability and character local to us in Charlotte,” Checkers coach Derek Wilkinson said. “He has a tremendous passion for the game and will be a natural fit in the coaching profession.”

Dawe also played in the American Hockey League, International Hockey League and Finnish Elite League. He has won a Calder Cup with the AHL’s Hartford Wolfpack, an Ontario Hockey League Championship with the Peterborough Petes and a World Junior Hockey Championship with Team Canada.

“I am extremely excited and have been waiting for a chance like this for three years,” Dawe said. “I am going to take full advantage of this opportunity and contribute to the success of the Checkers this season.”

- Cliff Mehrtens

Checkers to host Select-A-Seat on Saturday

2009-08-21T14:21:00.002-04:00

The Charlotte Checkers will host their annual "Select-A-Seat" open house from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday at Time Warner Cable Arena.

Fans can take advantage of discounts on season tickets and mini-plan packages, and check seats from various locations.

Checkers merchandise also will be available in the main concourse.

- Cliff Mehrtens

Checkers pick up secondary affiliation

2009-08-14T16:18:00.002-04:00

The Charlotte Checkers have formed a secondary affiliation with the NHL's Colorado Avalanche and American Hockey League's Lake Erie Monsters.

Charlotte's primary affiliation will remain with the New York Rangers (NHL) and Hartford Wolfpack (AHL), which it has maintained since 1994.

“We’re excited to be associated with one of the best franchises in the ECHL,” said David Oliver, Lake Erie general manager/Colorado director of player development. “The Charlotte Checkers have a reputation of being a team that prides itself on developing hockey players. Our prospects are going to have a great environment to play in.”

Colorado and Lake Erie last held an ECHL affiliation with the Johnstown Chiefs.

"We look forward to working with Colorado and Lake Erie this season,” said Checkers coach/general manager Derek Wilkinson. “The Avalanche is an organization that has a history of success and we are excited to have the opportunity to play an important role in the development of their players."

- Cliff Mehrtens

Want to dance for the Checkers ?

2009-08-14T11:30:00.004-04:00

The Charlotte Checkers will hold tryouts Saturday for their CheckMates dance squad.

Auditions are open to females ages 18 and older, and will begin at noon at the Extreme Ice Center, 4705 Indian Trail-Fairview Rd. in Indian Trail.

The CheckMates perform on-ice at home games, and represent the team at community and team functions.

- Cliff Mehrtens

Checkers extend affiliation with N.Y. Rangers

2009-08-13T17:40:00.002-04:00

The Charlotte Checkers have extended their afilliation with the National Hockey League's New York Rangers for the upcoming season.

It will be the 16th season Charlotte, an ECHL franchise, has had the affiliation.

Checkers prospects normally are promoted to the Rangers' American Hockey League affiliate in Hartford, Conn.

"We are very pleased to have extended our affiliation with the Charlotte Checkers," said Jim Schoenfeld, Rangers assistant general manager player. “Having this working relationship with a respected organization affords us the perfect platform to grow and develop our prospects.”

Fifteen players appeared for the Rangers after spending time in Charlotte, including Jason LaBarbera, Eric Cairns and Daniel Girardi. Most recently, Corey Potter, who split the 2006-07 season between Charlotte and Hartford, made his Rangers debut in 2008-09, appearing in five games.

Last season, six Checkers were called up to Hartford, and combined to play 190 AHL games.

"It is a privilege for us to once again be working with the New York Rangers and Hartford Wolfpack,” said Checkers coach Derek Wilkinson. “Their professionalism and dedication to icing championship-caliber teams are trademarks of theirs. We look forward to continuing our tremendous track record of developing future Wolfpack and Rangers players."

- Cliff Mehrtens

Checkers add toughness and defense

2009-08-11T17:33:00.002-04:00

The Charlotte Checkers re-signed defensemen Ethan Graham, and signed rugged defenseman T.J. Reynolds.

Reynolds, 28, had 177 penalty minutes and seven points in 41 games last season with Corpus Christi of the Central Hockey League. He's 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds.

Reynolds has played seven pro seasons, including 148 games in the American Hockey League, and stints in the ECHL and United Hockey League.

“T.J gives us some much-needed toughness and leadership,” Checkers coach Derek Wilkinson added. “His presence on the ice will certainly keep opposing players in check."

Graham, 27, returns after scoring five goals and 20 assists in 40 games last season, his second as a professional. He led Checkers defensemen in power-play points (14), and had two winning goals.

He also played 27 games with the Hartford Wolfpack (AHL).

“Ethan was our top defenseman last season and we expect him to carry the load again this year,” Wilkinson said. “We are fortunate to have him back.”

- Cliff Mehrtens

Checkers sign two-time ECHL all-star

2009-08-06T15:39:00.002-04:00

The Charlotte Checkers signed forward Tyler Doig, a two-time ECHL all-star, on Thursday.

Doig, 23, last season led the Reading Royals in assists (41) and points (59), with 94 penalty minutes. He also played five games with the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League.

“Tyler has established himself as a terrific ECHL player,” Charlotte coach Derek Wilkinson said. “We look forward to seeing him continue to excel at our level, as well as helping him achieve his goal of playing at a higher level.”

- Cliff Mehrtens

A dozen Checkers games bumped by NBA

2009-08-06T15:27:00.001-04:00

Get those erasers out.

The Charlotte Checkers are scrambling to change 12 home games that conflict with Charlotte Bobcats games at Time Warner Cable Arena.

The problem arises every summer because the ECHL releases its schedule before the NBA does. The Bobcats, who operate the arena, had first dibs on dates.

When the NBA schedule was finalized Tuesday, a third of the Checkers’ 36 home games fell on the same date. That meant a ton of phone calls for Checkers vice president Shawn Lynch, who is contacting other ECHL teams to juggle schedules.

“It should take about two weeks,” Lynch said. “Asking people to move dates is a big ask. We’re all in the same situation, we need Friday and Saturday (games) to succeed.”

Nine of the 12 conflicting games are Fridays and Saturdays. The task is different this year because more northern teams are involved, such as Toledo, Kalamazoo and Reading. Those involve longer trips than last year’s schedule, which was dominated by nearby foes in Gwinnett, South Carolina and Florida.

The Checkers must find new dates for Nov. 6 (Florida), Nov. 14 (Elmira), Nov. 22 (Johnstown), Jan. 15 (Gwinnett), Jan. 16 (Kalamazoo), Jan. 23 (Wheeling), Feb. 6 (Florida), Feb. 19 (Toledo), March 9 (Cincinnati), March 12 (Gwinnett), March 24 (Florida) and March 26 (Florida).

- Cliff Mehrtens

Checkers re-sign playoff scoring leader

2009-08-03T17:57:00.003-04:00

The Charlotte Checkers re-signed forward Michel Leveille, who led the ECHL team in playoff scoring last season (eight points in six games).

Leveille, 28, split last season with Charlotte and Manchester of the American Hockey League. He had 15 goals and 22 assists in 40 games wth Charlotte.

In 20 games in the AHL, Leveille had a goal and six assists.

"We are looking forward to Michel's return," coach Derek Wilkinson said. "He is an elite player at our level and certainly makes all players
around him better."

- Cliff Mehrtens

Charlotte Checkers re-sign four players

2009-07-21T13:32:00.001-04:00

The Charlotte Checkers re-signed four players, including three defensemen.

The other - forward Matt Schepke – joined Charlotte late last season after finishing his college career at Michigan State. Schepke, 24, had six goals and three assists in 12 games with the Checkers, and one goal in five playoff games.

Julien Brouillette, 22, is back after leading Charlotte defensemen in scoring last season. He had 11 goals and 18 assists in 70 games.

Defenesman Luke Lucyk, 23, was a late-season addition after four seasons at Notre Dame. He played in two regular-season games and two playoff games.

Steve Ward was one of hockey’s most-traveled players last season. He began with the ECHL’s Reading Royals, where he had 25 points in 39 games. He then played with the Albany River Rats, San Antonio Rampage, Norfolk Admirals, and Portland Pirates, all of the American Hockey League.

Ward, 23, joined the Checkers for six regular-season games and six playoff games.

- Cliff Mehrtens

Checkers re-sign winger Capraro

2009-07-15T17:49:00.003-04:00

Winger Chris Capraro, who had 29 points in 33 ECHL games last season, re-signed with the Charlotte Checkers on Wednesday.

It will be the third season with Charlotte for Capraro, 25.

He began last season in Germany with Freiburg EHC. In 30 games overseas, Capraro had 12 goals and 31 assists.

“We are very excited to have Chris back for his third season," Checkers coach Derek Wilkinson said. "He continues to grow as a player, and he is a huge asset for the team both on and off the ice.”

Capraro, a Massachusetts native, led the Checkers in scoring (51 points) in 2007-08.

- Cliff Mehrtens

Checkers lose associate coach to AHL

2009-07-13T18:35:00.002-04:00

Charlotte Checkers associate coach Troy Mann was hired as an assistant coach of the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League on Monday.

Mann, 39, spent last season with the Checkers after being head coach of the Columbia Inferno (ECHL) for two seasons. Columbia suspended operations before last season, allowing Mann to assist Checkers coach Derek Wilkinson.

Hershey is the AHL affilliate of the NHL's Washington Capitals.

“We are very happy for Troy," Wilkinson said. "This promotion is well deserved, and we wish him the best of luck in his new coaching endeavors.”

- Cliff Mehrtens

Checkers make qualifying offers to 8

2009-07-02T11:35:00.001-04:00

The Charlotte Checkers have made qualifying offers to eight players, including playoff points leader Michel Leveille, GM and head coach Derek Wilkinson announced.

Leveille also scored 15 goals and tallied 22 assists for 37 points in 40 regular-season games.

Also receiving qualifying offers were Matt Ford (21 goals, 17 assists), goaltender Jeff Jakaitis, center Mitch Carefoot, defenseman Jared Nightingale, center Peter Tsimikalis, defenseman Kevin Schaeffer and forward Marty Guerin.

Players will have until Aug. 1 to accept a qualifying offer. If they don’t, they become restricted free agents, free to negotiate with other teams. The Checkers would retain the right to match any offer they receive until Aug. 31, when unsigned players become unrestricted free agents.

Gov. Sarah Palin is betting on ECHL finals

2009-05-21T18:38:00.002-04:00

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford have placed a friendly wager on the Kelly Cup Finals.

The best-of-7 series between the Alaska Aces and South Carolina Stringrays begins Friday to determine the ECHL champion (S.C. eliminated the Charlotte Checkers in the first round).

If the Aces win, Palin will dine on shrimp and grits and the award-winning she-crab soup from Tristan Restaurant in downtown Charleston.

If the Stingrays win, Sanford will receive Alaska King Salmon.

"We're awfully proud of how well the Stingrays have done this year, and we're excited not only for the opportunity to show off a first-class sports franchise, but for the opportunity to show off the Charleston area as well," said Sanford. "But personally, I'm most excited about the king salmon that Sarah is going to be sending my way when the Kelly Cup is decided."

“I’ve always responded to a challenge, just like the Aces, and I also enjoy trying new food, which is why this bet is a no-brainer,” said Palin, a self-proclaimed hockey mom who has attended games at Sullivan Arena.

“I have extreme confidence that our supremely talented team will represent our great state well enough to bring home our second championship in four years. I’ll make no predictions, other than I expect I’ll be trying the She-Crab soup and shrimp and grits real soon.”

Game 1 is Friday night in Anchorage.

Checkers: It's now or never

2009-04-18T13:57:00.002-04:00

It's hard to be too excited about the Charlotte Checkers chances to stave off elimination heading into Sunday's Game 6 of the playoff series against the South Carolina Stringrays.

You'd expect the Checkers, trailing 3-2 in the best-of-7 series, to play an emotional game.

But you have to hope they also play smarter, sharper and more together.

On the plus side, Game 6 will be at Extreme Ice Center, the Checkers' practice facility in Indian Trail, where they won Games 1 and 2.

On the down side, South Carolina won the past three games convincingly - 8-3, 4-1 and 4-2.

Eight goals allowed in a pivotal playoff game is a nasty red flag. Charlotte allowed five on the power play in Game 5.

Charlotte must win Sunday - and that's not a given - then figure a way to beat the Stingrays on the road.

But first, Game 6 and possible elimination looms.

Checkers: Must-win on road

2009-04-17T15:41:00.006-04:00

The Charlotte Checkers must win at least one road game to beat the South Carolina Stingrays in the playoffs.

Could be a tall order, based on recent history.

Charlotte hosted Games 1 and 2, and won both, in the best-of-7 series.

Neither of the next two, in South Carolina, was close. The Stingrays won 4-2 in Game 3, and 4-1 in Game 4 on Thursday.

Game 5 is 7 p.m. tonight in South Carolina.

The Stingrays are 12-1-1 at home in two playoff seasons under coach Jared Bednar. On the road, South Carolina is 0-10 in playoffs.

Game 6 will be in Charlotte on Sunday, but if it goes to Game 7, that will be in North Charleston on Monday.

The Checkers' mission is simple: Win one down there.

Playoffs: Checkers take commanding lead

2009-04-12T07:28:00.005-04:00

Halfway there.

The Charlotte Checkers scorched one of the ECHL's best defenses to take a 2-0 lead in the ECHL best-of-7 playoff series against the South Carolina Stingrays.

Game 1 - Five goals.

Game 2 on Saturday - Five goals, all in the second period.

The series shifts to North Charleston for Games 3, 4 and 5, but the Checkers confidence has to be solid. They've worked the puck well, shot it plenty and have scored five power-play goals in the series.

“Were shooting a lot of pucks,” said defenseman Ethan Graham, who has a goal in both games. ”We struggled to shoot the puck in the regular season. But I think we’ve made a commitment to it coming into the playoffs to shoot everything and every chance we get, and I think it’s paying off.”

Another confidence booster: The return of No. 1 goalie Jeff Jakaitis, who was cut above the eye early in Game 1.

“We were worried about him (Friday) as he didn’t have a very good practice,” Checkers coach Derek Wilkinson said. “He came this morning (Saturday) and in his first few drills in the morning skate he looked like the same old Jocko (Jakaitis). So, we went with him.”

All-ECHL teams named

2009-04-02T17:56:00.002-04:00

The All-ECHL first and second teams were announced Thursday.

No Charlotte Checkers were named to either team, which was voted by league coaches.

All-ECHL:
F - Kevin Baker, Florida Everblades.
F - Bryan Ewing, Wheeling Nailers
F - Travis Morin, South Carolina Stingrays
D - Ryan Gunderson, Trenton Devils
D - Dylan Yeo, Victoria Salmon Kings
G - Jean-Philippe Lamoureux, Alaska Aces

Second team
F - Dave Bonk, Bakersfield Condors
F - Mark Derlago, Bakersfield Condors
F - Wes Goldie, Victoria Salmon Kings
D - Peter Metcalf, Florida Everblades
D - Matt Shasby, Alaska Aces
G - Gerald Coleman, Trenton Devils

Checkers announce playoff dates

2009-03-31T16:56:00.003-04:00

The Charlotte Checkers' first-round ECHL playoff series (best-of-7) against the South Carolina Stingrays:

Game 1: 7 p.m., Thur. April 9, at Extreme Ice Center (Indian Trail).

Game 2: 7 p.m., Sat. April 11, at Extreme Ice Center (Indian Trail).

Game 3: 7 p.m., Tue. April 14, at N. Charleston Coliseum.

Game 4: 7 p.m., Thur. April 16, at N. Charleston Coliseum.

Game 5: (if necessary) 7 p.m., Fri. April 17, at N. Charleston Coliseum.

Game 6: (if necessary) 7 p.m., Sun. April 19, at Extreme Ice Center (Indian Trail).

Game 7: (if necessary) 7 p.m., Mon. April 20, at N. Charleston Coliseum.

To purchase tickets, go to ticketmaster.com, the Time Warner Cable Arena Box Office or the Extreme Ice Center, 4705 Indian Trail-Fairvew Road, Indian Trail.

ECHL losing three more teams

2009-03-31T11:19:00.003-04:00

Notes from the ECHL Board of Governors meeting:

-- The ECHL’s Dayton Bombers and Mississippi Seawolves suspended operations for the 2009-10 season, and the Phoenix Roadrunners announced they will fold at the end of this season.

-- The league’s Board of Governors approved requests from Myrtle Beach and Columbia to extend their voluntary suspension for 2009-10 as both work toward building new arenas.

-- The Toledo Walleye return to the ECHL next season in a new arena that will seat 7,500, and Nick Vitucci (former Charlotte Checker) is their coach. The team was formerly named Storm.

-- The Ontario Reign will host the 2010 ECHL All-Star Game and skills competition on Jan. 19-20.

-- The conference and division realignment for next season:

American Conference, (North Division): Cincinnati, Elmira, Johnstown, Toledo and Wheeling.

American Conference, (South Division): Charlotte, Florida, Gwinnett, Reading, South Carolina and Trenton.

National Conference, (West Division): Alaska, Idaho, Utah and Victoria.

National Conference, (Pacific Division): Bakersfield, Las Vegas, Ontario and Stockton.

Four inducted into Charlotte Hockey Hall of Fame

2009-03-30T11:58:00.004-04:00

The Charlotte Hockey Hall of Fame inducted its’ second class of honorees at a Charlotte Checkers game last weekend.

Nick Vitucci, Matt Robbins, Maurice “Moe” Savard and team mascot Chubby were inducted.

■Vitucci, a goaltender, was 52-23-7 in two seasons with Charlotte, and helped the Checkers win their lone ECHL championship in 1996.

He currently holds or shares the ECHL goalie record for career games played (479), career minutes played (27,291), career wins (265), career 20-or-more win seasons (seven), career 30-or-more win seasons (two), and consecutive 30-or-more win seasons (two).

Vitucci, a two-time ECHL All-Star, is one of seven ECHL goalies to have scored a goal. During his career in the ECHL, Vitucci won four Riley Cups (1989, ‘90, ‘94 and ’96) and was named the Finals Most Valuable Player twice (1989 and 1996). He was the ECHL Goaltender of the Year in 1998.

■ Robbins was the captain, and a key scorer, on the ’96 championship team.
The Westford, Mass. native was drafted by the New York Islanders in 1989, and spent five season playing in the ECHL. Four were in Charlotte, where he led the Checkers in scoring his first two seasons, and totaled 113 goals, 227 assists for 340 points in 256 career games for Charlotte.

■ Savard was a staple on Checkers teams in the Eastern Hockey League in the 1960s.

He scored 755 points over nine seasons (303 goals and 452 assists). In his 55 games during the 1964-65 season, he did not record a single penalty minute. Ex-Checkers coach Fred Creighton once said “If I had 15 hockey players like Moe…I’d be taking money under false pretenses. I wouldn’t have to coach.”

■Despite holding the dubious distinction of being the only ECHL mascot to be ejected from a game after using his super soaker on an occupant of the visiting penalty box, Chubby has entertained fans of all ages. He also appears at more than 100 events per year representing the Checkers.

Checkers tough guy suspended

2009-03-27T18:08:00.003-04:00

Charlotte Checkers enforcer Cedrick Bernier was suspended one game Friday by the ECHL for bad behavior.

He received a game misconduct penalty near the end of Thursday's 4-2 victory against Gwinnett.

He was suspended under ECHL Rule 47.21 "whereby any player deemed to be the instigator or aggressor of fisticuffs during the last five minutes of the game or at any time during overtime, shall be automatically suspended from his team’s next game."

Bernier will miss Friday's game against Mississippi.

Wilkinson quietly sets Checkers record

2009-03-27T16:43:00.003-04:00

Derek Wilkinson became the winningest coach in Charlotte Checkers history last week, and set an unofficial team record for lack of fanfare.

The ECHL team didn’t promote Wilkinson’s feat. He never mentioned it. When informed Friday about his 193 victories being a record, Wilkinson laughed and said “It is? I didn’t know that.”

The unobtrusiveness reflects Wilkinson’s coaching style, which has produced playoff berths the past four seasons. He’s not flashy, loud, or prone to emotional jags.

Wilkinson, 34, passed John Marks, who was 191-120-35 as coach in the team’s first five ECHL seasons (1993-98). Wilkinson, a former NHL goaltender, was in his second season as Checkers assistant in 2003 when coach Don MacAdam was fired the morning of a midseason road game.

Wilkinson, who had designs of being a general manager, was promoted. He’s since taken on a dual role as general manager and coach.

“Having the record is pretty neat, and obviously longevity is a key to it,” Wilkinson said. “We’ve been able to put good teams on the ice. John (Marks) is one of the all-time leaders in victories, so it’s nice to have. But I’d like a championship instead.”

Wilkinson was 193-157-34 heading into Friday’s home game against Mississippi. The record-setting 192nd victory was a 3-2 shoot-out at Florida on Mar. 17. He bumped it to 193 with a 4-2 home victory against Gwinnett on Thursday.

“He is a class act, and very underrated in his ability to assess talent,” Checkers owner Michael Kahn said. “Derek is low-key, but he’s not as unemotional as many people think. He doesn’t let emotion drive his decisions. Derek is always looking ahead. He is very analytical, too. Some interpret that as aloof and unemotional, but he’s not that.”

Said Wilkinson: “I understand coaching a lot more now, but my philosophy hasn’t changed. I try to be upfront and honest with the players. If you do that, a lot of times they’ll go the extra mile for you.”

Strippers, an open bar and hockey

2009-03-24T16:06:00.002-04:00

The ECHL's Las Vegas Wranglers (in the same league as the Charlotte Checkers) will host "Over 18 Night" tonight.

Start time is 90 minutes later than normal, so fans can enjoy an open bar ($20 to imbibe). There also will be 2-for-1 drink specials when the game begins.

Strippers - male and female - will perform in the arena concourse. Fans can get pictures taken with the American Storm All-Male Review. There also will be a "Stripper 101" that provides demonstrations on exotic dancing.

The Wranglers have the ECHL's wildest promotions. Two months ago, the players wore prison-style uniforms in honor of disgraced Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich for " Gov. Rod Blagojevich Prison Uniform Night."

Checkers to honor 7-year-old girl

2009-03-20T16:54:00.004-04:00

The Charlotte Checkers will have "Lift Up Ellie Night" at its 4 p.m. game Sunday against the Florida Everblades at Time Warner Cable Arena.

The team will honor Ellie Potvin, 7, who was diagnosed in July with a rare cancer called Stage 4 Rhabdomyosarcoma. A portion of ticket sales will be donated to the Potvin family to help with medical bills.

Potvin will take part in the pre-game ceremonial puck drop, and be presented with gifts from the Checkers.

“There are people you come across in your lifetime that are simply incredible," said Tera Black, the Checkers chief operating officer. "Ellie and her family are just incredibly strong, loving and courageous. This game will be played for Ellie and we are so looking forward to it.”

To purchase "Lift Up Ellie" tickets, go to www.gocheckers.com/fundraisers/#ellie

Checkers playoffs: Sorry, arena not available

2009-03-16T16:43:00.001-04:00

The Charlotte Checkers will be forced to play ECHL first-round home playoff games at their training facility in Indian Trail, because of scheduling conflicts with the Charlotte Jumper Classic, a horse-jumping show at Time Warner Cable Arena.

The horse show will be Apr. 10-12, but needs a couple days before and after to set up and disband.

The ECHL first-round series (best-of-7) can run Apr. 9-22, depending on arena availability and travel. Rather than juggling dates, Checkers management decided to play every first-round home game in Indian Trail.

Capacity at Extreme Ice Center is about 1,100, less than one-tenth of Time Warner.

Historically, ECHL first-round series don’t draw well because they often begin on weeknights, and with not much lead time, it’s hard to sell group ticket packages.

“It’s almost a better atmosphere at Extreme in the first round,” said Tera Black, the Checkers chief operating officer. “We actually like the thought of playing there. Our players are used to the ice because they practice there. And it will be an intimate setting.”

Depending on the opponent and which team has home ice, the best-of-7 series could stretch over weekend dates, which are often beneficial to ECHL owners.

The regular-season ends April 4. The top four teams in the South division qualify for the playoffs, based on winning percentage. Charlotte is third, and has 11 games remaining.

The Checkers had plans to host Game 3 in a 2007 playoff series against Augusta at Extreme Ice Center, but the series ended in two games. That date also conflicted with the horse-jumping show.

Checkers strike at trading deadline

2009-03-13T17:40:00.001-04:00

The Charlotte Checkers were busy at the ECHL trading deadline Friday.

Charlotte shipped rookie forwards Peter-James Corsi and David Rutherford, and defenseman Brian Deeth to the Phoenix Roadrunners for the rights to defenseman Steve Ward and future considerations.

The Checkers also signed forward Matt Schepke, who recently completed his college career at Michigan State, and goaltender Parker Van Buskirk from junior hockey.

Ward, 23, had six goals and 19 assists in 39 games with the Reading Royals (ECHL), and has played 13 games with four American Hockey League teams this season. Reading traded his rights to Phoenix on Friday, and he was quickly dealt to Charlotte.

“We had to get better on the blueline,” Checkers coach Derek Wilkinson said. “We like the defensemen we have, we just don’t have enough of them. Ward moves the puck well, and we think he’ll become a top-three defenseman. The guys we traded were all great kids, but we had too many forwards, so we used a position of strength to help a position of weakness.”

Schepke was Michigan State’s leading scorer, with 14 goals and 10 assists in 38 games. He is expected to debut today.

Van Buskirk was 19-25-5 in 51 games with the Kitchner Rangers of the Ontario Hockey League, with a 3.37 goals-against average and .901 save percentage. He is expected to join Charlotte on Sunday.

Checkers sign forward and goaltender

2009-03-13T14:55:00.001-04:00

The Charlotte Checkers signed forward Matt Schepke (Michigan State’s leading scorer) and goaltender Parker Van Buskirk on Friday.

Schepke (5-foot-9, 196 pounds) had 14 goals and 10 assists in 38 games as a senior this season. He is a native of Warren, Mich., and is expected to make his pro debut when the Checkers host Gwinett on Saturday.

Van Buskirk (6-0, 190) spent this season in junior hockey with the Kitchner Rangers of the Ontario Hockey League. He was 19-25-5 in 51 games, with a 3.37 goals-against average and .901 save percentage. He is expected to join Charlotte on Sunday.

Ford: 1-game wonder

2009-03-11T11:00:00.008-04:00

Hello, Matthew Ford.

Goodbye, Matthew Ford.

That happened in a one-game span for the Charlotte Checkers. Their leading goal-scorer returned after a month or so in the American Hockey League and dressed for Tuesday's home game against Gwinnett.

Bam. Ford scored two goals in the first period, sparking a 4-1 victory.

Bam. After the game, Ford was loaned to the Lake Erie Monsters (AHL).
Ford's 18 goals are tied for the team lead. He's done it in 22 games. Mike Bayrack, the other Checker with 18 goals, has done it in 55.

Ford was asked what his chances were of re-joining the Checkers for a portion of the regular season stretch-drive and the playoffs.

“I think there’s a good chance and I’m excited,” Ford said. “I think this team is pretty special and I hope we have a good opportunity to do something here.”

- Cliff Mehrtens

Checkers' roster moves

2009-03-06T18:59:00.003-05:00

- Goaltender Jeff Jakaitis returned after a brief stint with the Portland Pirates (American Hockey League). Jakaitis, 18-12-4 with a 2.77 goals-against average, played his first AHL game and lost 4-3 to the Hartford Wolf Pack in a shoot-out.

- Forward Marty Guerin, who has been on injured reserve all season, was activated for tonight's game at Gwinnett.
Guerin hadc18 goals and 32 assists in 68 games as a rookie last season with the South Carolina Stingrays. He added 16 points in 17 playoff games.

- Forward Jeff Miles was activated from injured reserve, and forwards Lee Falardeau (3-day) and Brad Ralph (7-day) were placed on IR.

Checkers shuffle goalies

2009-02-27T10:50:00.002-05:00

One in, one out.

The Charlotte Checkers loaned goaltender Jeff Jakaitis to the Portland Pirates of the American Hockey League on Friday, and welcomed back goalie Maxime Daigneault after a brief stint with the Hartford Wolf Pack (AHL).

Jakaitis was the ECHL goaltender of the week, and is 18-12-4 with a 2.77 goals-against average and 91.8 save percentage. In the past four games, he has stopped 188 of 194 shots.

Daigneault has rallied after a slow start, and is 10-8-1 with 3.10 GAA and 89.7 save percentage. He didn’t play for Hartford during his latest call-up.

- Cliff Mehrtens

Checkers' Jakaitis is ECHL goalie of the week

2009-02-24T15:05:00.002-05:00

Jeff Jakaitis of the Charlotte Checkers is the ECHL goaltender of the week for Feb. 16-22.

Jakaitis, 25, was 2-0-0 with a shutout, a goals-against average of 1.00 and a save percentage of .979, posting back-to-back wins against ECHL leader Florida to help the Checkers improve to 6-0-2 in their last eight games.

After making 50 saves in a 4-0 win on Tuesday, Jakaitis stopped 45 shots in a 5-2 win against the Everblades on Saturday in front of a team record crowd of 12,398.

He is 4-0-1 with a shutout, a goals-against average of 2.19 and a save percentage of .952 in his last five starts. He is 18-12-3 and is tied for second in the league with four shutouts while ranking fifth with 1,042 saves and 2,015 minutes.

Checkers' hottest scorer is hurt

2009-02-24T12:40:00.003-05:00

Forward Jeff Miles, who had a hat trick in the Charlotte Checkers victory Saturday, is on the 7-day injured reserve list with a hip injury.

He will miss tonight's game at South Carolina.

Miles has a seven-game scoring streak, with 12 points (six goals and six assists) in that span.

AHL team pokes fun at Phelps

2009-02-20T16:09:00.007-05:00

Michael Phelps became a minor-league hockey punchline Thursday.

The Milwaukee Admirals (American Hockey League) had a “Don’t Be Like Mike” night at their home game Thursday, poking fun at the Olympic swimming star who was recently photographed allegedly smoking marijuana.

Any fan who was a graduate of a DARE program (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) could get in for $2, by bringing their graduation certificate.

Also getting in for $2 were anyone named Michael, Phelps, Mary Jane, Cheech, Chong, Weed, or anyone who’d won an Olympic gold medal.

“I, along with Nancy Reagan, want to encourage people not to do drugs,” Admirals president Jon Greenberg said on the team’s website. “As an organization the Milwaukee Admirals don’t condone or encourage the use of illegal drugs, including, but not limited to marijuana, or anabolic steroids for that matter.”

The Admirals gave away a weed wacker that was signed by the team. If they scored with 4:20 left in the clock in any period, one fan would have won a season ticket for 2009-10 (the number 420 is often known as the police code for illegal drug use).

Also, to ensure no fan ended up with potential incriminating or embarrasing photos, the team provided a document shredder in the arena walkway.

The game drew a crowd of 3,055, and the Admirals didn’t score at 4:20 of any period.

Checkers aiming for record crowd

2009-02-20T15:02:00.002-05:00

The Charlotte Checkers are aiming for record attendance at Saturday’s 7 p.m. ECHL game against the Florida Everblades at Time Warner Cable Arena.

The target is 12,256, which the team drew to a February game last year.

The Checkers are offering tickets for $6.10 as part of a promotion with WFNZ (610 AM), which are available only through Ticketmaster. The upper levels of the arena will be opened, and several other promotions and group events are scheduled.

“I’m cautiously optimistic, but I think we’ll do it,” said Tera Black, the Checkers chief operating officer. “We’re drawing our best crowds of the season, and people are realizing we’re a viable entertainment option that isn’t $45 a ticket.”

Charlotte (27-20-4) is playing well, too. The Checkers beat Florida (35-14-3), which has the ECHL’s best record, Tuesday and Thursday. Charlotte rallied from a 5-2 deficit to win 6-5 in a shoot-out Thursday.

“The excitement multiplies when the crowd is huge,” Black said. “Coach (Derek) Wilkinson came into our staff meeting this week and said he couldn’t tell us enough what a large crowd does for the team. They hear it, they get excited about it and they enjoy playing in an atmosphere like that.”

Jakaitis sets Checkers shutout record

2009-02-18T12:46:00.002-05:00

Charlotte Checkers goalie Jeff Jakaitis set a team record for shutouts in a season (four) when he blanked Florida 4-0 on Tuesday.

Jakaitis has stopped 104-of-106 shots (98.1 percent) in the past two games, and is on a 3-0-1 streak.

The previous season record of three was shared by Scott Meyer (2003-04), Alex Westlund (2006-07) and Chris Holt (2007-08).

Jakaitis is tied for second in career shutouts:

Scott Meyer ... 6
Scott Bailey ... 4
Alex Westlund ... 4
Jeff Jakaitis ... 4
Chris Holt ... 4
Jeff Heil ... 2
Colin Zulianello ... 2
Jeff Glass ... 2
These have one shutout apiece: Evgeni Ryabchicov, Paxton Schaefer, Jason LaBarbera, Bryce Wandler, Curtis Darling and Mike Ayers.

Checkers' small gestures carry weight

2009-02-10T11:50:00.003-05:00

It's a small gesture - signing an autograph for a 10-year-old.

The Charlotte Checkers, during their skate with fans after Sunday's game, scribbled on jerseys, posters and anything kids put in front of them.

Thanks, because my son Jack was among the crowd. He sees the Checkers play, and makes a connection when he gets an autograph, a "hey, how ya' doing?" or a smile from a player.

And when you're 10, the autographs are golden.

He came home, carefully removed his Checkers jersey and began reciting his catch for his mother. "Mom, I got Mike Bayrack, and Jeff Jakaitis, and Peter-James Corsi, and No. 6 here is Kenny Smith...and Lee Falardeau, etc., etc."

A day later, he was reciting the list for his buddies.

He can't do the same for other teams he likes - Panthers, Bobcats, etc. - because logistics prevent postgame anything with those teams. The Checkers' skates are fun, whether you want to mingle with the players or not.

To the players, it can be a chore, or not high on the list to do after a tough loss (luckily, they won Sunday). But they're always accomodating, especially to the younger set.

Us in the older set appreciate that.

Checkers' skid is three games

2009-02-08T08:55:00.003-05:00

The Charlotte Checkers lost 4-1 at the Gwinnett Gladiators on Saturday, which extended its losing streak to three games.

Charlotte (22-20-2) fell behind 2-0 after two periods, before defenseman Ethan Graham scored his second goal of the season to cut the lead to 2-1.

Gwinnett sealed the victory on Adam Berti's empty-net goal in the final minute. The Gladiators outshot Charlotte 43-27.

Charlotte, third in the ECHL South division, is seven points behind second-place South Carolina. Gwinnett beat Charlotte for the second time in three days, and moved to within one point of the Checkers.

Charlotte will host league-leading Florida (33-11-2) at 4 p.m. Sunday at Time Warner Cable Arena.

Thoughts on Thursday's game

2009-02-06T10:16:00.001-05:00

Random thoughts from the Checkers game Thursday:

-- Wow, that fight three seconds after the puck dropped, between Charlotte’s David Rutherford and Gwinnett’s Tom Zanoski, must have been attached to some old score to settle. Neither is their team’s enforcer, but they went at it pretty intensely (Zanoski won).

-- The key play was Gwinnett goalie Josh Johnson stopping Chris Capraro’s breakaway shot in the third period. It kept Charlotte’s lead at 3-2, and I think if Charlotte went up by two goals, Gwinnett might have rolled over mentally.

-- Three coolest jerseys I saw – Joe Thornton’s Boston Bruins white jersey, Dean Zayonce’s Checkers jersey (from the way-back machine, 1998) and Mark Messier’s New York Rangers dark blue.

-- Blowing a two-goal lead for the second straight game isn’t good. Charlotte is three points behind South Carolina for second place in the South division, which would secure home ice in the playoffs. Then again, the Checkers aren’t dominant at home – 10-9-1.

-- A nasty statistic – Checkers winger Jeff Miles is minus-21, meaning he’s been on the ice for 21 more goals by the opposition than by Charlotte.

Checkers' roster moves Wednesday

2009-02-04T18:09:00.001-05:00

The Charlotte Checkers' roster moves Wednesday:

Winger Mike Taylor was activated from injured reserve, and winger Ryan Hillier was placed on 3-day IR.

Chris Winter was signed as emergency backup goalie.

ECHL notes this week

2009-02-02T17:10:00.003-05:00

ECHL This Week – Feb. 2

Everblades Move Into First Place

Going 12-1-0 in the last 13 games Florida leads the ECHL with 31 wins, a winning percentage of .762 and 64 points.

Florida won the regular season title in 1999-2000 with a league record 53 wins and 108 points. The 53 wins are now tied for the third most in league history while the 108 points is tied for the sixth-highest total.

The Everblades have reached the Kelly Cup Playoffs in every one of their first 10 seasons and advanced to the Finals in 2004 and 2005.

The Everblades host South Carolina on Tuesday and Wednesday and play at South Carolina on Friday and Saturday. The Stingrays are 22-16-5 and in second place in the South Division with a winning percentage of .570.

Florida has won the last three meetings at South Carolina and is 4-3-1 overall and 3-0-1 on the road against the Stingrays. South Carolina has won the last three games at Florida and is 3-1-0 on the road and 4-4-0 overall this season against the Everblades.

Rookie David Leggio is 8-0-0 with two shutouts and a goals-against average of 1.50 in his last eight games while Anton Khudobin is 4-1-0 with a goals-against average of 1.78 in his last five games. Leggio is 16-3-1 with a goals-against average of 2.10 and a save percentage of . 925 while Khudobin is 15-6-1 with a goals-against average of 2.51 and a save percentage of .913. Leggio is second in the league with four shutouts while ranking third in goals-against average and wins and fourth in save percentage. Khudobin is tied for third with three shutouts and is eighth in goals-against average.

Florida’s Kevin Baker leads the league with a team record 17 power-play goals and is tied for the league lead with 36 goals and 27 power-play points while ranking second with 59 points in 41 games. Peter Metcalf leads ECHL defensemen with 34 assists and 39 points in 31 games while ranking second with 18 power-play assists and 23 power-play points.

South Carolina’s Travis Morin leads the ECHL with 39 assists and is tied for second with 18 power-play assists while ranking fourth with 52 points in 43 games.

The Everblades lead the ECHL on the power play with 22.3 percent (63-for-283) and are second on the penalty kill with 88.3 percent (249-for-282).

Florida is second in scoring with 3.98 goals per game and in goals-against average with 2.38. South Carolina is fifth in the league on the power play with 19.9 percent (44-for-221) while ranking fourth with a goals-against average of 2.65 and sixth with 3.21 goals per game.

American Conference - North Division

Cincinnati Cyclones
* Cyclones power play was 27.8 percent (20-for-72) in January.
* Rookie Mark Van Guilder has a nine-game point streak (5g-11a).
* Cyclones host Reading on Tuesday and play at Mississippi on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Dayton Bombers
* Mike McLean led Dayton in January with 13 assists and 18 points in 15 games.
* Dan Riedel has 13 points (5g-8a) in his last 13 games.
* Bombers host Reading on Wednesday and Johnstown on Saturday and Sunday and play at Wheeling on Friday.

Elmira Jackals
* Chris Korchinski led the Jackals in January with eight goals and 17 points in nine games.
* Jackals are 14-1-0 when leading after two periods.
* Elmira hosts Johnstown on Friday and Trenton on Sunday and plays at Wheeling on Saturday.

Johnstown Chiefs
* Petr Pohl has an eight-game point streak (7g-6a) which is the longest by Chief this season.
* Ryan Del Monte leads the Chiefs in plus-minus rating with +17.
* Chiefs are at Elmira on Friday and at Dayton on Saturday and Monday.

Reading Royals
* Royals are 10-2-0 when allowing two goals or less and 2-1-0 when allowing on goal or less.
* Chris Stevens has a four-game goal streak (4g) and a four-game point streak (4g-3a).
* Royals play at Cincinnati on Tuesday, at Dayton on Wednesday and at Trenton on Friday and Saturday.

Trenton Devils
* Devils are 14-1-0 when scoring four goals or more.
* Ryan Gunderson led ECHL defensemen in January with 13 assists.
* Devils host Reading on Friday and Saturday and play at Elmira on Sunday.

Wheeling Nailers
* Nailers lead the ECHL in scoring with 4.02 goals per game.
* Wheeling native Bryan Ewing leads the ECHL with 60 points (29g-31a). * Nailers host Dayton on Friday and Elmira on Saturday.

American Conference - South Division

Charlotte Checkers
* Brad Ralph has a six-game point streak (3g-5a).
* Rookies David Rutherford and Mike Taylor are tied for team lead with four game-winning goals.
* Checkers host Gwinnett on Thursday and Florida on Sunday and play at Gwinnett on Saturday.

Florida Everblades
* Everblades lead the league on the power play with 22.3 percent (63-for-283) and are second on the penalty kill with 88.3 percent (249-for-282).
* David Leggio is 8-0-0 with two shutouts and a goals-against average of 1.50 in his last eight games.
* Everblades host South Carolina on Tuesday and Wednesday and play at South Carolina on Friday and Saturday.

Gwinnett Gladiators
* Tom Zanoski has two points (1g-1a) in his first two games since being acquired from Dayton on Jan. 30.
* Joe Fallon set career high with 49 saves in 3-2 overtime win against South Carolina on Jan. 27.
* Gladiators play at Mississippi on Wednesday and at Charlotte on Thursday before hosting Charlotte on Saturday.

Mississippi Sea Wolves
* Sea Wolves host second annual Pink In The Rink game on Saturday.
* Mississippi is 3-3-0 against the North Division this season.
* Sea Wolves host Gwinnett on Wednesday and Cincinnati on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

South Carolina Stingrays
* Stingrays are fourth in the league with a goals-against average of 2.65.
* Brad Farynuk is second among ECHL defensemen with six power-play goals.
* Stingrays play at Florida on Tuesday and Wednesday and host Florida on Friday and Saturday.

National Conference - Pacific Division

Bakersfield Condors
* Condors are seventh in the league with 32.68 shots per game.
* Dave Bonk (5g-1a) and Matt Pope (2g-3a) each have a five-game point streak.
* Condors play at Las Vegas on Monday and host Idaho on Wednesday and Saturday and Alaska on Friday.

Las Vegas Wranglers
* Peter Ferraro has nine goals in his last 10 games.
* Defenseman Dan Spang has six assists in his first five games with the Wranglers.
* Wranglers host Bakersfield on Monday and play at Victoria on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Ontario Reign
* Reign are seventh in the ECHL with a goals-against average of 2.74.
* John Murray leads the ECHL with four shootout wins.
* Reign play at Phoenix on Tuesday and host Stockton on Friday and Alaska on Saturday.

Stockton Thunder
* Thunder is 10-3-1 under head coach Matt Thomas.
* Rookie Andrew Perugini is 5-0-0 with a shutout and a goals-against average of 1.97 in his last five starts.
* Thunder host Alaska on Wednesday and Sunday and play at Ontario on Friday.

National Conference - West Division

Alaska Aces
* Aces have won their last six home games to improve to 17-5-1 this season at Sullivan Arena.
* Brett Hemingway leads Alaska in the last five games with seven assists and eight points.
* Aces are at Stockton on Wednesday and Sunday, at Bakersfield on Friday and at Ontario on Saturday.

Idaho Steelheads
*Steelheads are 4-1-1 with two shootout wins and two overtime wins in their last six games.
* Rookie Kris Sparre has a three-game point streak (4g-4a).
* Steelheads play at Bakersfield on Wednesday and Saturday and at Stockton on Monday.

Phoenix RoadRunners
* RoadRunners have 13 home wins, two shy of their club record.
* Rookie P.J. Fenton has eight goals and nine points in nine games.
* RoadRunners host Ontario on Tuesday and play at Utah on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

Utah Grizzlies
* Grizzlies are 2-0-7 in their last nine games.
* Tim Verbeek has eight goals and 10 points in his last nine games.
* Grizzlies host Phoenix on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

Victoria Salmon Kings
* Salmon Kings tied team record with 12 home wins in a row from Dec. 9, 2008-Jan. 27, 2009.
* Todd Ford is 10-0-1 with three shutouts and a goals-against average of 1.52 in his last 11 games.
* Salmon Kings host Las Vegas on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Checkers: Female coach ?

2009-02-02T10:57:00.003-05:00

The Charlotte Checkers had a female coach - at least online - for its ECHL road game Saturday in North Charleston.

Tera Black, the team's chief operating officer, was inadvertently listed as coach on the boxscore on the ECHL's website.

(My point isn't to slam the league, or boxscore compiler. We, including me, make mistakes every day in the paper and on our website.)

"I laughed so hard," Black said. "Not sure if I'm ready for that, I might need to brush up on some things."

Black is no stranger to hockey. She’s worked in the game for 13 years, and is married to a former player. She runs the front office – a different animal than the guys on the ice – so she has leadership skills.

So, the gender barrier wasn’t officially broken in the ECHL coaching ranks.

Checkers snag "e-bug"

2009-01-30T18:50:00.002-05:00

They're called "e-bugs," which stands for emergency back-up goalies.

The Charlotte Checkers signed Ted Monnich to the role for tonight's game at Gwinnett. It became necessary when goalie Maxime Daigneault was recalled Thursday to the American Hockey League.

E-bugs can only get into an ECHL game if the starting goaltender is injured. Hence the "emergency" portion of their title. So, even if the starter gets drilled for 10 goals, he stays in.

Monnich, 39, is a goaltending consultant in Columbia, S.C., and has coached youth, junior, college and pros in the United States, Canada, Germany, Slovakia and Turkey.

Checkers lose hot goalie

2009-01-29T17:17:00.003-05:00

Charlotte Checkers goalie Maxime Daigneault was recalled by the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League on Thursday.

Daigneault is 7-2 in the past two months, after starting the season 1-6.

He has lowered his goals-against average to 3.20, after it was above 4.00 most of the first half of the season. It will be the second stint in Hartford for Daigneault, who last season helped the Cincinnati Cyclones wih the ECHL championship.

ECHL revises playoffs

2009-01-29T17:10:00.000-05:00

The ECHL has revised its’ playoff format, after two teams folded in December and created an unbalanced schedule.

The four playoff teams from the South division, which includes the Charlotte Checkers, will be determined by winning percentage instead of points. Gwinnett will play 72 games, while Florida, Mississippi, South Carolina and Charlotte have 71.

The tiebreaker if two teams tie will be (1) points, head-to-head; (2) victories, head-to-head; (3) goal differential, head-to-head; and (4) coin toss.

Division semifinals playoffs will be best-of-7 series, as will the division finals. Home-ice advantage will be determined by regular season winning percentage.

No love for the gov

2009-01-27T12:23:00.004-05:00

An interesting ECHL promotion.....

The Las Vegas Wranglers will host the Bakersfield Condors and “Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich Prison Uniform Night” on Friday.

The promotion was inspired by impeached Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, who was indicted in a federal investigation on a variety of charges, including allegedly attempting to realize personal gain from filling the vacated Illinois Senate seat vacated when Barack Obama was elected President.

The Wranglers jerseys on Friday will have broad, horizontal black and white stripes and an identification number that begins “ILLGOV-” followed by the player’s actual uniform number.

The Condors jerseys will resemble the orange jumpsuits typically issued to prisoners, and the on-ice officials will wear ‘prison guard’ jerseys.

Ontario, Calif. lands 2010 ECHL All-Star Game

2009-01-27T06:55:00.002-05:00

The ECHL 2010 All-Star Game will be hosted by the Ontario (Calif.) Reign.

The Reign are averaging more than 5,000 fans per game in their first season, including two crowds of more than 8,500 at Citizens Business Bank Arena, which opened in October.

"The ECHL is proud to bring our annual showcase event to the city of Ontario," ECHL Commissioner Brian McKenna said. "The state-of-the-art arena, nearby airport and convenient hotel, shopping and entertainment options make Ontario an ideal choice to host our players, team officials, sponsors, partners and fans from across the continent."

The past seven ECHL All-Star Games have generated more than $1 million each for the local economy, according to league officials.

Checkers: Big Saturday on and off the ice

2009-01-25T15:39:00.001-05:00

It was a perfect storm for the Charlotte Checkers on Saturday – a near-record crowd, an exciting victory on the ice, and effective charity activities.

Charlotte beat the South Carolina Stingrays 3-2 at Time Warner Cable Arena, and the crowd of 11,848 was the second-most in the team’s 16-year history. The lower-bowl sests were sold out Saturday morning, and the walk-up crowd was more than expected.

“We had a lot of good things going on,” said Tera Black, the Checkers chief executive officer. “The atmosphere was electric from the start, and Race Night is always a big night for us.”

The Checkers wore special jerseys, with numbers that corresponded with a professional race driver’s number. They were auctioned afterward, and proceeds went to Speedway Children Charities,Victory Junction Gang Camp, Hendrick Marrow Program and B.R.A.K.E.S. (the non-profit organization founded by NHRA drag racer Doug Herbert that promotes safe and responsible driving).

Checkers' midseason report card

2009-01-23T17:22:00.002-05:00

The Charlotte Checkers’ midseason report card, as they’re 19-17-2 heading into the second half of the ECHL season:

OFFENSE: Too sporadic. Charlotte’s 3.05 goals-per-game average is 11th among 23 ECHL teams. Matthew Ford (16 goals in 21 games) sizzled before being promoted to the American Hockey League last week. Mike Bayrack is a sharp passer, and Michel Leveille’s positioning and quick release should mean plenty of second-half goals. Losing Peter Tsimikalis to injury hurts, and the Checkers could use a quick recovery by Lee Falardeau. Several rookies need to score consistently, and Jeff Miles (a team worst -19 rating) must shake his slump. Grade: B- .

DEFENSE: Some nights it’s solid. Other times, it’s porous. There have been three shutouts, and great efforts against top-tier teams. There also have been a handful of five- and six-goal games. Kenny Smith and Ken Scuderi are good stay-at-home defenseman, and Julien Broulliette (17 points) has offensive skills. The forwards need to be more consistent back-checking. Grade: B- .

GOALTENDING: Another mixed bag. Jeff Jakaitis has been good nearly every start. Maxime Daigneault hasn’t, and he must improve. Grade: C.

SPECIAL TEAMS: The power play – 37 goals in 38 games – was feeble the first 20 games of the season, and ranks 18th in the ECHL. It isn’t overly potent, but it’s improving. Grade: C- .
The penalty killing, ninth in the league, has been more consistent. The killers have plenty of speed, and have saved several games. Grade: B.

COACHING: Derek Wilkinson and associate coach Troy Mann seem to work well together, and understand the ups-and-downs of a 72-game schedule filled with injuries, call-ups and sometimes crazy schedules (due to Augusta Lynx folding). They’ve made some solid midseason acquisitions, and have the team in solid position to qualify for the playoffs. Grade: B.

Agree?
Disagree?
Tell me how you’d grade ‘em……

Checkers: Listing the right and wrong

2009-01-22T20:41:00.003-05:00

Here’s my list on what has gone right and wrong for the Charlotte Checkers, who are at the ECHL all-star break.

Agree? Disagree? Tell me your lists.

THE RIGHT
1. Overseas imports.
Leading scorer Mike Bayrack was lured back after playing part of last season in Denmark and Germany. Chris Capraro, last year’s leading scorer, rejoined the team from Germany last week, and should have an impact. Brad Ralph came out of retirement and scored immediately. But, Ralph only had to cross the state line from South Carolina.

2. Adding associate coach Troy Mann.
Columbia’s team is on hiatus. Mann is a loaner, and has been the fire to coach Derek Wilkinson’s ice. Mann is intense, but a hands-on teacher who has gotten good reviews.

3. Jeff Jakaitis
The second-year goalie has been solid, with a 12-9-2 record and 2.72 goals-against average.

4. Matthew Ford
Solid two-way rookie winger has 16 goals in 21 games. Scored three goals to win most valuable player award at the ECHL All-Star Game. Promoted to Hartford last week.

THE WRONG

1. Slumping veteran winger
Jeff Miles was a top-10 scorer in the ECHL each of the past two seasons, but has 21 points in 38 games this season. Of his seven goals, only two have been at even strength.

2. Slumping veteran goalie
Maxime Daigneault, who hasn’t had a losing record in four professional seasons, is 7-8-0 with a career-worst 3.28 goals-against average.

3. Injuries
Peter Tsimikalis (23 points in 25 games) is out for the season with a shoulder injury. Lee Falardeau, who missed the first quarter of the season while recovering from hip surgery, returned to score 12 points in 10 games. But, he’s out again with a wrist/hand injury.

Checkers' Ford is ECHL All-Star MVP

2009-01-21T21:47:00.001-05:00

Charlotte Checkers winger Matthew Ford scored three goals and had an assist in the ECHL All-Star Game in Reading, Pa. on Wednesday, the best all-star performance by a Checker in their 16-year history.

He was named the game’s most valuable player.

Ford, a rookie who played collegiately at Wisconsin, helped the American Conference win 11-5 against the National Conference. He had a first-period assist, two goals in the second period, and a third-period goal that gave the American Conference a 7-4 lead.

Ford leads the Checkers with 16 goals.

Checkers chaplain Tim Donelli, who attended the game, tracked down Ford for a post-game reaction:

"I will always remember this experience," Ford said. "It was an honor to be on the ice with these guys and an honor to be named MVP."

"It was all about having fun tonight. That's what we all said to each other before the game...have fun and have a great time."

Said American Conference co-coach Greg Puhalski: "Matt got rewarded for his hard work tonight. He played very well and had alot of jump all night."

'Coach's Corner' postponed

2009-01-20T12:29:00.004-05:00

The Charlotte Checkers’ “Coach’s Corner,” scheduled for 7 p.m. today, has been postponed by icy weather to 7 p.m. next Tuesday at Wild Wing Café, 711 West Mallard Creek Church Rd.

The program offers fans a chance to offer questions to coach Derek Wilkinson and hear his insights on the hockey team.

Fans can buy Bud Lights for $2.50, and if you buy 12 wings, you’ll get 12 free.

“Coach’s Corners” are scheduled for March 3, at Wild Wing Cafe’s South Tryon location, and March 24 at the West Mallard Creek Church Road location.

Checkers' top goalie has AHL tryout

2009-01-20T11:22:00.001-05:00

The Charlotte Checkers are without their best goaltender.

Jeff Jakaitis, 12-9-2 with a 2.72 goals-against average, signed a professional tryout contract (PTO) with the Manchester Monarchs of the American Hockey League on Monday.

His three shutouts tied the Checkers’ season record, and he has a .913 save percentage.

Jakaitis, 25, was a rookie with the Columbia Inferno last season, after three college seasons at Lake Superior State.

Maxime Daigneault will become Charlotte’s No. 1 goalie. He had an up-and-down first half of the season, and is 7-8-0 with a 3.28 goals-against average.

Former Checker scores for Edmonton

2009-01-16T20:03:00.000-05:00

It was a good week for the “Macs.”

Former Charlotte Checkers enforcer Steve MacIntyre scored his first NHL goal in the Edmonton Oiler’s 5-2 victory against the Washington Capitals on Tuesday. The bruising forward (he’s 6-feet-6 and 265 pounds) is a rookie, and recently returned after missing two months because of a fractured orbital bone.

MacIntyre – “Big Mac” to Checkers fans - has a goal and 29 penalty minutes in 14 NHL games this season.

Don MacAdam, former Checkers coach, was hired Wednesday to direct the Lewiston MAINEiacs of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. He has 34 years coaching and management experience at nearly every professional and college level, including a stint in Japan.

It was MacAdam who brought MacIntyre to Charlotte in 2003.

Checkers re-sign Capraro from Germany

2009-01-16T20:02:00.000-05:00

The Charlotte Checkers re-signed winger Chris Capraro, its’ leading goal scorer last season, after he began the season in Germany.

Capraro, 25, scored 24 goals for the Checkers as a rookie, and had team highs in assists (27) and points (51). He’ll be in the lineup for tonight’s home game against Mississippi.

Capraro was playing with Freiburg EHC in Oberliga, a German league, where he had 12 goals and 31 assists in 30 games.

Women's hockey tournament this weekend

2009-01-15T17:53:00.001-05:00

The Charlotte Lady Checkers, a women’s travel hockey team, will host the "Queen City Challenge," a four-team tournament Saturday and Sunday at the Extreme Ice Center in Indian Trail (see schedule below).

Admission is free.

"We’re a pretty diverse group," said Holly Emerson, a 40-year-old mother of two who plays right wing and defense. "We’ve got nurses, marketers, computer specialists and stay-at-home moms. We range in age from high school to the 40’s."

Women of all skill levels are welcome to the team, Emerson said. There is a group of about 20 skaters, and the team is hoping to trigger more interest. They practice twice a month in Indian Trail.

Many of the Lady Checkers play in men’s leagues in Pineville and Indian Trail. The women travel to four or five tournament throughout the South each year.

"It is a dedicated bunch," said Emerson, who grew up in Pennsylvania, but learned to skate at Charlotte’s Eastland Mall. "It’s non-checking, but we’ll go into the corner hard for the puck. Camaraderie is a big part of it, as it is with any team."

The team’s Web site:
http://charlottewomenshockey.ning.com/

To contact them, if you want to play:
charlottestormhockey@gmail.com

Saturday, January 17th
12:30 pm Trailblazers Hookers
2:00 pm Lady Checkers Black Widows
7:00 pm Black Widows Hookers
8:30 pm Trailblazers Lady Checkers

Sunday, January 18th
9:30 am Black Widows Trail Blazers
10:00 am Hookers Lady Checkers
3:00 pm 3rd Place 4th Place
4:30 pm 1st Place 2nd Place

Checkers, Niners playing hockey doubleheader

2009-01-15T17:40:00.002-05:00

Two hockey games for the price of one.

The Charlotte 49ers’ club team will play Johnson & Wales (put down that ladle and grab a hockey stick) after the Checkers’ 7 p.m. game Friday night at Time Warner Cable Arena.

Charlotte’s top scorers are Andrew Morgan (29 points), James Hosea (18) and Stephen Rinaldi (15). The 49ers are 4-8-1.

Fans who purchase a ticket to the Checkers game can stay to watch the college guys afterward.

Lackluster effort by Checkers

2009-01-14T19:23:00.002-05:00

Nowhere to go but up.

The Charlotte Checkers’ 8-2 loss at home to the Florida Everblades on Tuesday was one of the worst games I’ve seen in team history.

There will be the occasional clunker during a 72-game schedule, when things just don’t go right. The bad part about Tuesday’s loss was it looked like the Checkers weren’t interested.

Charlotte was outshot 61-21, and it was 42-8 at one point.

The lopsided shot margin wasn’t because Florida had a ton of power plays and was just firing the puck at will. They moved the puck so well that 5-on-5 situations often looked like Charlotte was a player short.

Amazingly, two weeks earlier, Charlotte had beaten Florida 8-0.

“We had every opportunity to win the game early,” coach Derek Wilkinson said. “Up 1-0 after a bad first period. Our goalie (Jeff Jakaitis) makes two or three great saves to start the second, and we don’t do anything, and they wax us even more. …It was triple the amount of shots we gave them last time we played in Florida. That’s just embarassing.”

The Checkers, dancing around .500, aren’t talented enough to not give maximum effort.

There are two teams ahead of them in the standings. Chances are they’ll see either in a playoff series.

One of them is Florida.

Checkers' aim is commitment to fans

2009-01-14T19:15:00.005-05:00

The Charlotte Checkers have proven during Michael Kahn’s ownership that they’re not always about the bottom line.

The Checkers have donated $1.3 million to various local charities the past three seasons, and often have game tie-ins to fundraisers. That money could have been directed to the team’s balance sheet, but Kahn, who co-owns Empire Distributors, Inc., a statewide wine and beer distributor, said that’s not his sole objective.

Like most businesses these days, the Checkers have been forced to tighten things financially. Many folks have less discretionary income, making even minor-league tickets out of reach for some.

Two ECHL franchises folded (Augusta and Fresno), but the Checkers seem to be on solid ground. They’ve got a hard-working staff, and are about to enter the portion of the season that attracts large crowds.

Tera Black, the Checkers' chief operating officer, said the team’s positives are its commitment to the community (a Kahn staple), an affordable entertainment experience for families and players being accessible to the public.

It’s not above a staff member to step into another’s role on game night. Last week, Black popped behind the counter at the souvenir stand as she roamed the arena.

Derek Wilkinson, the Checkers coach and general manager, said the five teams left in the South Division after Augusta’s demise (South Carolina, Florida, Mississippi, Gwinnett and Charlotte) aren’t conducive to long-term success. A few years ago, the Checkers had a handful of nearby opponents in – Greenville, S.C., Columbia, Greensboro, and Richmond, Roanoke, Pee Dee (in Florence, S.C.).

Now, there are longer bus rides and more nights in hotels.

“There were teams coming and going,” Wilkinson said, “but lately it’s been an awful lot going.”

Kahn said the ECHL “as a whole, is solid.” He said perhaps it tried to have too many teams operating.

“We have a lot of solid franchises in this league,” he said. “There are several hits-and-misses, too. With this economy, any business model forces you to tighten things up and develop a model. As a league, we have to do that. But (Charlotte) is OK.”

Injuries sideline 3 Checkers players

2009-01-14T18:00:00.002-05:00

The Charlotte Checkers are missing three key players, which might explain part of the 2-4 slide they’re in since Jan. 2

The worst news: Forward Peter Tsimikalis is on the 30-day injured reserve with a shoulder injury. He is the team’s third-leading scorer (23 points in 25 games), and made the power play much better.

Almost-as-bad news: Lee Falardeau, a solid two-way player, is on 7-day injured reserve. His wrist/fingers were in a wrap the past two home games. He has 12 points in 10 games.

Also missing is forward Peter-James Corsi (15 points in 25 games), who injured a shoulder.

Play Canadian anthem at ECHL games

2009-01-13T09:37:00.006-05:00

Random thoughts during two Checkers home games this weekend:

• I think the Canadian and U.S. anthems should be played before every ECHL game. The league consists of mostly Canadian players, and it would be homage to the country that gave us the sport. Charlotte's roster has 12 Canadians, and nine Americans. If you can hang the Canadian flag in the rafters (it's there in Time Warner Cable Arena), you can play the anthem.

• The three coolest jerseys I've seen at Checkers games this season:

Peter Forsberg's Sweden yellow-and-light blue.
Eric Lindros Philadelphia Flyers home jersey.
Wayne Gretzky New York Rangers (dark blue).

• The hockey gods aren't always ruthless. About four minutes into Friday's game, Gwinnett defenseman Jean-Claude Sawyer was hit in the back of his leg by Checker Julian Brouillette's slapshot. It was quite painful, evidenced by the look on Sawyer's face as he was helped back to the bench. In the second period, Sawyer scored on a power-play slapshot for a 3-2 lead. Bet his leg wasn't hurting much then.

• It's nice to hear Checker Michel Leveille's name pronounced correctly, after a couple of "Michael La-vell" references. It's "Mee-SHELL LE-vuh-yay." Think French.

• Not a bad crowd at the 1 p.m. Saturday game (5,891), considering it was moved from 7 p.m. to not conflict with the Carolina Panthers playoff game that night.

Checkers rookie wing man impressive

2009-01-09T22:46:00.001-05:00

Charlotte Checkers winger Matthew Ford was runner-up in the ECHL Rookie of the Month for December.

Ford, who played collegiately at Wisconsin, had seven goals and five assists in nine games. He’ll represent the Checkers at the ECHL All-Star Game on Jan. 21 in Reading, Pa.

The monthly award went Idaho Steelheads goaltender Matt Climie, who was 5-1-0 with a 2.31 goals-against average and .920 save percentage.

- Cliff Mehrtens

ECHL All-Star Game coaches named

2009-01-08T11:16:00.000-05:00

The folks behind the benches have been named for the ECHL All-Star Game, which will be played Jan. 21 in Reading, Pa.

For the American Conference, coaches are Greg Puhalski (Wheeling) and Ian Herbers (Johnstown), equipment managers are Jason MacDonald (Florida) and Pat Noecker (Reading), and athletic trainers are Mike Bronstein (Trenton) and Brian Grogesky (Reading).

In the National Conference, the coaches are Mark Morrison (Victoria) and Matt Thomas (Stockton), equipment manager Brian Garcia (Las Vegas) and athletic trainer Scott McLay (Las Vegas).

Charlotte winger Matthew Ford will play for the American Conference.

-- Cliff Mehrtens

Checkers welcome bruiser Bernier

2009-01-05T13:54:00.002-05:00

There is little doubt about the newest Charlotte Checker’s role.

Winger Cedrick Bernier, released by the Wheeling Nailers, was signed Saturday. He had zero goals, zero assists and 98 penalty minutes in 17 games.

Translation: Tough guy.

Charlotte isn’t an overly physical team, but has some players who’ll fight. None of those are considered heavyweights. The team lost its biggest presence (and a good defenseman) when Jared Nightingale was promoted to the American Hockey League last month.

Bernier knows the drill.

Last season, he had 229 penalty minutes (and five points) in 33 games with the Wichita Thunder of the Central Hockey League.

ECHL'S Fresno Falcons fold

2008-12-22T21:45:00.001-05:00

The Fresno Falcons folded after ownership notified league officials they couldn’t continue for financial reasons. The players became unrestricted free agents.

It is the second team, of 23 that began the season, to fizzle before the season hit midway. The Augusta Lynx folded in early December.

Fresno was 18-10-2, and led the Pacific division. But attendance had fallen from an average of 5,035 last season to an average of 3,284 this season. The team was 15th in attendance among ECHL teams.

The Charlotte Checkers didn’t have any games scheduled against Fresno, so its schedule, already jumbled by Augusta’s demise, wasn’t affected.

-- Cliff Mehrtens

Zappala leaving Checkers for shot at Olympics

2008-12-19T15:44:00.000-05:00

Joe Zappala would rather try to be an Olympian than remain as a Charlotte Checker.

Zappala left the team after Wednesday’s game, after signing with a professional team in Italy. He’s hoping to log enough time there to contend for a spot on Italy’s national team, and a chance to play in the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Zappala, a 23-year-old winger, was in his third ECHL season. He had two goals and 14 penalty minutes in nine games with Charlotte. Zappala played four years at Yale.

He came off the injured list Wednesday, played that night, then surprised coach Derek Wilkinson with news of his move after the game.

The Checkers officially “suspended” Zappalla, and will holds his rights if he returns.

Saturday: Checkers vs. Mites

2008-12-18T15:51:00.000-05:00

The Charlotte Checkers will play the little guys on Saturday.

The team will battle 26 “Mites” (players ages 6-8) who play in the Checkers Metro House League at Extreme Ice Center in Indian Trail. It will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the WBT Holiday on Ice Rink at the Green in uptown Charlotte.

The first 100 people who come to watch will receive a free hockey puck and skate rental. The referees will be mothers of the Mite players, and WBT’s Jon Wilson will call the game.

It’s being billed as David-vs.-Goliath, and should be fun.

I’m rooting for David.

-- Cliff Mehrtens

Checkers offer a holiday bargain

2008-12-15T13:24:00.000-05:00

Happy Holidays from the Charlotte Checkers.

Their gift: $10 tickets for any lower-level seats for the three remaining December weekend games – Friday against the Gwinnett Gladiators (7 p.m.), Sunday against the South Carolina Stingrays (4 p.m.) and Dec. 28 against the Florida Everblades (4 p.m.).

Fans can buy tickets online through Ticketmaster, or by calling the Checkers office at (704) 342-4423.

-- Cliff Mehrtens

Checkers release revised schedule

2008-12-11T13:12:00.001-05:00

The shuffling of the Charlotte Checkers’ schedule is finished.

Because the Augusta Lynx disbanded last week, the ECHL had to adjust games involving several teams, especially those in the same division as Augusta (Charlotte, Gwinnett, Florida, Mississippi and South Carolina).

The changes to Checkers games:

■Home cancellations: Jan. 8 vs. Augusta; March 12 vs. Augusta.

■Road cancellations: Dec. 21 at Gwinnett; Jan. 17 at South Carolina; Feb. 14 at Mississippi; Feb. 28 at South Carolina; March 21 at South Carolina; Apr. 3 at Augusta.

■New home games: Dec. 28 vs. Florida, 4 p.m.; Feb. 19 vs. Florida, 7 p.m.; March 22 vs. Florida, 4 p.m.

■New road games: Jan. 23 at Mississippi; Feb. 12 at Mississippi; Feb. 24 at South Carolina; March 7 at South Carolina; March 28 at Florida.

■Time change: The home game March 10 against Florida will be at 7 p.m.

-- Cliff Mehrtens

Former Checker makes NHL debut.

2008-12-11T09:46:00.000-05:00

Former Charlotte Checkers defenseman Corey Potter became the 378th player to play in the National Hockey League after playing in the ECHL when he made his NHL debut Sunday with the New York Rangers against the Calgary Flames.

Selected in the fourth round (122nd overall) by the New York Rangers in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, the 24-year-old Potter had 19 points (6g-13a) and 56 penalty minutes in 43 games for Charlotte as a rookie in 2006-07.

This season with Hartford – the Rangers’ American Hockey League affiliate – Potter had two goals and nine assists in 23 games.

Potter is the 10th former ECHL player in the last two weeks to play his first NHL game, joining former Florida Everblades defenseman Brett Carson and former Idaho Steelheads left wing Warren Peters, who also played their first game Sunday; former South Carolina Stingrays defenseman Sean Collins, who made his debut on Saturday; former Florida Everblades forward
Kendall McArdle and former Johnstown Chiefs and Mississippi Sea Wolves forward Radek Smolenak, who played their first game on Tuesday; former Las Vegas Wranglers and Wheeling Nailers goaltender John Curry and former Greenville Grrrowl and Stockton Thunder center Tim Sestito, who played their first game on Nov. 27; and former Bakersfield Condors center Alexandre Bolduc and former Johnstown Chiefs center Andre Deveaux, who played their first game on Nov. 28.

-- Cliff Mehrtens

Checkers' Nightingale called up to Hartford

2008-12-11T09:44:00.000-05:00

The Charlotte Checkers lost their enforcer Wednesday.

Defenseman Jared Nightingale, second in the ECHL in penalty minutes, signed a tryout agreement with the Hartford Wolfpack of the American Hockey League.

Nightingale, 26, has six assists and 106 penalty minutes in 22 games this season, his second with the Checkers. Last year, he had brief stints with Hartford and the Chicago Wolves (AHL).

Nightingale, a Michigan State product, played on the ECHL Kelly Cup champion Idaho Steelheads in 2006-07.

-- Cliff Mehrtens

Augusta Lynx: The shopping list

2008-12-03T13:18:00.000-05:00

When the Augusta Lynx folded Tuesday, their players under ECHL contracts became unrestricted free agents. Here’s the shopping list:

Matt Auffrey, Joel Hanson and Michael Mullen (right wings).

Patrick Bordeleau and Scott Thauwald (left wings).

Brian Ihnacak, Dallas Steward and Chase Watson (centers).

Tim Branham, B.J. Crum, Brock Wilson, R.J. Linder, Cody Blanshan and Jamie Dowhayko (defensemen).

Michael Brodeur (goaltender).

Forward Jason Bloomingburg is on 30-day injured reserve.

Auffrey had a team-high 11 points, and Bordeleau scored 10. Brodeur was 2-4-1 with a 3.02 goals-against average and .919 save percentage.

-- Cliff Mehrtens