Checkers Add Experience, This Time Behind Bench
Published on August 15, 2002 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Charlotte Checkers News Release
CHARLOTTE, NC â The East Coast Hockey League's Charlotte Checkers have announced the return of Derek Wilkinson, not on the ice...behind the bench along side Head Coach Don MacAdam. This will be the first coaching experience for Wilkinson, an 8-year professional veteran goalie.
"I am excited for the Charlotte Checkers, and for Derek," stated Don MacAdam, Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations for the Checkers. "Derek brings a unique combination of knowledge and perspective to the game, and our players will be the benefactor in the long run. This will be a great opportunity for Derek to development his skills as a professional coach, and I am thrilled to have someone with his demeanor and competitiveness on the bench beside me."
Wilkinson's playing career began in 1993 and carried him through stints in five different leagues, including parts of four seasons with the Tampa Bay Lightning of the NHL. He played 31 games in net for the Charlotte Checkers during the 1999-00 season. Derek earned 111 wins during his professional career, and he tallied over 1300 saves in two separate seasons.
"Returning to Charlotte is going to be exciting for me, especially in this new role," stated Wilkinson. "I have great memories with the Checkers, and know that Coach MacAdam, along with and the new ownership, are all on the same page. This is a tremendous opportunity for me to start a new career as a coach, and I am thankful for the chance to be back with the Checker fans."
Wilkinson follows two assistant coaches from the Checkers who have moved on to bigger and better assignments. Davie Baseggio left the Checkers after the 2000-01 season to take the assistant coach job with the Bridgeport Soundtigers of the AHL, and most recent assistant Al Conroy is now the Head Coach of the Spokane Chiefs of the Western Hockey League.
The Checkers, under the new ownership of Carl Scheer and Felix Sabates, open the 2002-03 season at home on Friday, October 11th against the defending Kelly Cup Champion Greenville Grrrowl. Season tickets, mini-plans, and flex plans are available by calling 704-342-4423.
American Hockey League Stories from August 15, 2002
- IceHogs Secure All-Star Talent - Rockford IceHogs
- Checkers Add Experience, This Time Behind Bench - Charlotte Checkers
- 'Fan Favorite' Returns to the Ice in Charlotte - Charlotte Checkers
- Rivermen Sign Golden Gloves Champ - Peoria Rivermen
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
