ECHL Charlotte Checkers

Chandler, Ortmeyer Agree to Terms

July 22, 2005 - ECHL (ECHL)
Charlotte Checkers News Release


CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Derek Wilkinson, Head Coach and General Manager of the Charlotte Checkers, announced today that the team has agreed to terms with Matt Chandler and Jake Ortmeyer.

Chandler (pictured) and Ortmeyer will return to the ice wearing the same jersey for the first time since the duo spent four years together at Miami University (Ohio).

Chandler, a 6-foot-1-inch, 220-pound forward, will enter his fifth season in the ECHL and his second with the Checkers. Last season, the Watertown, N.Y. native, recorded eight points (5g, 3a) in 40 games while registering 23 penalty minutes.

"Matt brings a tremendous amount of character to our team," said Wilkinson. "He was an assistant captain for us last year and is a great guy on and off the ice. He's been a winner everywhere he's been. We look forward to him making a full recovery from his knee injury and expect him to be ready to go at training camp."

"I'm excited to be back in Charlotte for another season," said Chandler. "Charlotte is one of the best cities to play in and the Checkers are a contender for the Kelly Cup every year. The organization is one of the best in the league and we've got one of the most exciting coaches in the league in Derek Wilkinson."

Chandler, 27, was also excited about the opportunity to reunite with his former collegiate teammate Jake Ortmeyer.

"I spent four years in college with Jake and I'm thrilled to have the chance to get back on the ice along side him," said Chandler. "He's a solid stay-at-home defenseman and he'll bring a lot to our team."

Ortmeyer, 27, joins the Checkers after spending the past three seasons with the Louisiana IceGators, Wheeling Nailers and Trenton Titans, respectively.

"We've been after Jake for a while," said Wilkinson. "He was a captain in Louisiana last year and he has established himself as one of the better defensemen in the league. He will bring a great deal of experience and leadership to our blue line this season and we look forward to having him anchor our defense."

A native of Omaha, Neb., the 6-foot-3-inch, 210-pound defenseman appeared in 48 games with the IceGators last season registering 16 points (5g, 11a) and 40 penalty minutes.

The Charlotte Checkers open their 13th season in the ECHL Friday, October 21st at Gwinnett. The Checkers are Bound for Uptown as they open their home schedule Sunday, November 6th in their new home at the New Charlotte Arena against Greenville. Season ticket packages are still available and on sale. To purchase season tickets, contact the Charlotte Checkers Ticket Office at 704.342.4ICE (4423). For a complete schedule of games and promotions, log onto www.gocheckers.com.

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