Checkers Agree To Terms With Rowe, Schaeffer
September 8, 2009 - ECHL (ECHL)
Charlotte Checkers News Release
CHARLOTTE, NC-The Charlotte Checkers have agreed to terms with veteran forward Randy Rowe and defenseman Kevin Schaeffer, general manager and head coach Derek Wilkinson announced today.
Rowe, a 29-year-old, eight-year veteran, comes to Charlotte after splitting last season between the Johnstown Chiefs of the ECHL and Lake Erie Monsters of the American Hockey League. In 33 games with the Chiefs the 5-foot-11, 180-pound left-winger from Burford, Ont. scored 12 goals and added 19 assists. He also chipped in with six goals and seven assists in 37 games with the Monsters.
Rowe's best year statistically came in 2007-08 when he led the Chiefs in scoring with 24 goals and 44 assists in 58 games. He also held the team's best plus-minus rating (+21). He was team captain and took home Player of the Month and Plus Performer of the Month honors in March, 2008.
In 2004 Rowe was selected to 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," Wilkinson said. "He is a former team captain and leads by example."
In 418 career ECHL games Rowe has tallied 172 goals and added 211 assists, good for 383 points. Prior to joining the pro ranks Rowe played four seasons with the Belleville Bulls of the Ontario Hockey League, compiling 248 points in 246 games while helping the team capture the 1998-99 OHL Championship.
Schaeffer, 24, spent the majority of last season with the Providence Bruins of the AHL. In 48 games the native of South Huntington, N.Y. registered three assists and 14 penalty minutes. He also skated for the ECHL's Reading Royals, appearing in six games while adding six penalty minutes.
In 2007-08, his rookie season, Schaeffer played 19 games with the Royals, notching two goals and five assists before chipping in with four points in 11 playoff games. He also played in 31 contests with Providence.
"We are excited about the addition of Kevin to our lineup," Wilkinson added. "He is a top-line defenseman that we can use in all situations and will match up against the other teams' top players."
The 6-foot-1, 200-pound defenseman was a sixth round pick of the Nashville Predators in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft and played four seasons at Boston University before becoming a professional.
Both players will attend the Lake Erie Monsters training camp this month.
The Checkers' schedule is now available and they are getting ready for their 17th season of play as a member of the ECHL and 16th as an affiliate of the New York Rangers. In the team's 16-year history, the Checkers have made the playoffs 12 times including five consecutive playoff appearances to date. Season tickets are on sale now. For season ticket information, please call 704-342-4-ICE or visit www.gocheckers.com.
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