Sunday, March 23, 2014

(Updated) Checkers sign Matt Pistilli and Trevor Cann to PTOs

After a physical game on Friday with the San Antonio Rampage, the Checkers have added some depth for Sunday's 1:30 puck drop, in old friend Matthew Pistilli and goaltender Trevor Cann.

Both were signed on Sunday from the Florida Everblades, Carolina's ECHL affiliate.

Checkers regular netminder John Muse did not participate in Sunday's pre-game skate and there are rumors that he's out with an injury, although he didn't look uncomfortable during Friday's 4-3 win over the Rampage.

The stint in Charlotte will be Pistilli's third this season. He has 12 points (5g, 7a) in 27 AHL games with the Checkers and Bridgeport this season. With forwards Brandon Woods and Greg Nemisz both potentially out for the remainder of the season with injuries, Pistilli adds some much needed depth at the position.

Cann is a 24-year-old former second round pick (in 2007) of the Colorado Avalanche. He went 14-9-1 with a 3.00 goals-against average and an .890 save percentage with the Everblades this season. He has played in 45 career AHL games, posting a 14-25-1 record with a 3.17 goals-against average and a .895 save percentage.

Should Cann appear in a game for the Checkers this season, he would become the 10th different goaltender to start a game in net for Charlotte, extending what is already a franchise record.

Mike Murphy, who is on a personal three-game losing streak (despite making at least 27 saves in each), will get the start in net for the Checkers today.

---

Update: After backing up Mike Murphy is during the Checkers 4-2 loss to San Antonio at Time Warner Cable Arena on Sunday, Cann has been released from his PTO.

The Checkers felt that John Muse -- who coach Jeff Daniels said was "day-to-day"following Sunday's games -- was healthy enough to travel with the team to Iowa.

Pistilli, who was a healthy scratch on Sunday, is set to travel with the team to Iowa.

0 comments: