Bojangles Game Preview: February 6 vs. Grand Rapids
Published on February 6, 2026 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Charlotte Checkers News Release
Before the Checkers take the ice this season, we're breaking down everything fans need to know with the Bojangles Game Preview!
WATCH HERE
The Checkers continue their homestand in the Queen City against the Grand Rapids Griffins, clashing with the AHL's best on Friday and Saturday.
THE MATCHUP
Record/Standings
CLT - 25-14-3-0 (3rd, Atlantic Division)
GR - 34-6-2-1 (1st, Central Division)
Power Play / Penalty Kill
CLT - 17.3% / 84.8%
GR - 19.4% / 86.2%
Offense / Defense
CLT - 3.38 GF/Game / 2.81 GA/Game
GR - 3.51 GF/Game / 1.93 GA/Game
Head-To-Head
1-0-1-0
THE STORYLINES
GRIFFINS SOARING ALONG
Grand Rapids enters the weekend as the American Hockey League's top team with 71 points through 43 games this season. Their storybook season has consisted of several records, including the following:
Best record in AHL history through 25 games (23-1-0-1, 47 pts.), 30 games (27-1-1-1, 56 pts.) and 40 games (32-5-2-1, 67 pts.), while tying for the best start through 35 games (29-3-2-1, 61 pts.)
Reached the 60-point mark in just 32 games, three games faster than any team in AHL history
AHL record 17-game road points streak from Oct. 10-Jan. 23 (15-0-1-1)
Tied franchise-record 15-game winning streak from Nov. 22 - Dec. 27, which also tied for sixth-longest in AHL history
Tied franchise-record 19-game points streak from Nov. 22-Jan. 7 (18-0-1-0)
The Griffins have won two straight games, recently defeating the Milwaukee Admirals 5-2 on Tuesday night. Tyler Angle posted a two-point performance (one goal, one assist) while Sebastian Cossa made 24 saves to pick up his AHL-leading 19th victory of the year. Former Checkers forward John Leonard leads the Griffins with 40 points (26 goals, 14 assists) in 32 games this season. Leonard tied a franchise record last season in Charlotte, scoring 36 goals in 2024-25.
PROMINENT PENALTY KILLS
This weekend's games in the Queen City include the best two penalty-killing teams in the American Hockey League. The Griffins boast the league's top PK, extinguishing 100 of 116 opposing power-play opportunities (86.2 percent). Charlotte sits right behind them, operating at 84.8 percent, going 134-for-158. At Bojangles Coliseum this season, their success rate rises to 86.1, conceding 11 goals on 79 chances (fifth-best in the AHL). Grand Rapids has only been put on the penalty kill 58 times in 20 road games, allowing nine power-play goals against away from Van Andel Arena (84.5 percent).
Both teams are scoring threats while shorthanded, too. Grand Rapids has scored seven times while on the penalty kill; the Checkers have scored six SHGs. John Leonard is second in the AHL with three of his own. Leonard scored five shorthanded goals with the Checkers in 2024-25, finishing the year tied for the league lead. Brett Chorske leads this season's group with two, notching one last Saturday against Providence in the third period.
PROMO-FILLED WEEKEND
The Checkers will be honoring First Responders during their game on Friday! Be on the lookout for vehicle displays, a special pregame presentation and live recognitions of our local heroes. For Greater Charlotte Area First Responders themselves, a special ticket offer is still available!
On Saturday, the Checkers are celebrating USA Night, presented by The Independence Fund! The team will wear specialty jerseys for the game that will be available via an online auction that will end near the conclusion of the game. Proceeds from that auction will benefit The Independence Fund. Our USA Merchandise Collection is available now at the Checkers online store!
THE PLAYERS TO WATCH
CHARLOTTE
Jack Studnicka - 7 points in last 7 games
Jack Devine - 11 points in last 8 games
Brett Chorske - 3 points in last 3 games
GRAND RAPIDS
John Leonard - 8 points in last 8 games
Nate Danielson - 5 points in last 5 games
Eduards Tralmaks - 4 points in last 4 games
THE INFO
This weekend's games - as well as every game this season - are available to stream via AHLTV on FloHockey!
Both games this weekend are broadcast locally, courtesy of WCCB. Fans can also listen to the radio broadcast on the Checkers App or online.
American Hockey League Stories from February 6, 2026
- Preview: Phantoms vs. Penguins, Game 44 - Lehigh Valley Phantoms
- Kolosov Returned to Phantoms - Lehigh Valley Phantoms
- Bojangles Game Preview: February 6 vs. Grand Rapids - Charlotte Checkers
- Penguins Reassign Edwards, Urdahl to Wheeling - Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins
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