Checkers blanked by Greenville 3-0

February 26, 2005 - ECHL (ECHL)
Charlotte Checkers News Release

(Greenville, South Carolina - Friday, February 25) The Charlotte Checkers dropped their second straight game on a current five-game road trip, suffering a 3-0 shutout at the hands of the Greenville Grrrowl Friday night at the Bi-Lo Center.

Greenville goalie Jeff Deslauriers stopped all 40 Charlotte shots, including four Checkers breakaway attempts. The Grrrowl got goals from Colin Pepperall, Scott Balan and Alex Kojenikov, and Greenville won despite being dominated and outshot 40-26.

The Checkers were shut out for the third time this season, and their power play went 0-9. Charlotte goalie Alex Westlund took the loss making 23 saves.

"Their goalie played a terrific game and we didn't seem to have that normal spark that we usually have," said Charlotte coach Derek Wilkinson. "Our effort was there but we didn't have that final drive to put the puck in the net. We need to try to come back strong tomorrow night, and it won't be easy against a good South Carolina team."

After a scoreless first period, Greenville took the lead on a power play as Peperrall got credit for a deflection in front of Westlund at 3:14 of the second period. Late in the period just after a Checkers power play expired, Balan's shot hit a body in front and ended up in the back of the net for a 2-0 Greenville lead with just 40 seconds left in the period.

Kojenikov put the game away in the third period with 8:28 remaining, and the Grrrowl preserved the shutout for the 3-0 final.

Charlotte's record dropped to 31-20-3 for 65 points while Greenville won its second straight and raised its record to 29-20-4 for 62 points. The Checkers will continue their five-game road trip Saturday night in Charleston, South Carolina when they'll meet the Stingrays at 7:00 p.m.

The Checkers will return home to Cricket Arena Saturday, March 5 to host the Greenville Grrrowl at 7:00 p.m.

ECHL Stories from February 26, 2005

• Rivermen Hold Off Reading at Home 4-2 - Peoria Rivermen
• Gators burned by Inferno 2-1 - Louisiana IceGators
• Lynx return favor on Gladiators in second half of home and home - Augusta Lynx
• Bullies Win A Thriller In Overtime, 3-2 Over The Nailers - Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies
• Gladiators fall to Lynx, 5-2 - Atlanta Gladiators
• Aces drop 2-1 shootout to Fresno - Alaska Aces
• Titans Top Bombers 2-1 - Trenton Devils
• Falcons Prevail in Shootout - Fresno Falcons
• Pride Drop 3-2 Decision to Grrrowl - Myrtle Beach Thunderboltz
• Titans Nip Bombers, 2-1, Saturday Night - Dayton Bombers
• Titans Get Reinforcements - Trenton Devils
• Goaltender Michaud, Rookie Center Kasper Return from Worcester - Peoria Rivermen
• Victoria Salmon Kings Roster Moves - Victoria Salmon Kings
• Lynx hockey and free koozies - Augusta Lynx
• Sloan Reassigned To Dayton From American Hockey League - Dayton Bombers
• Bullies Acquire Riddell From Augusta - Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies
• ECHL Today - ECHL
• Checkers blanked by Greenville 3-0 - Charlotte Checkers
• Vegas Victors in Victoria - Victoria Salmon Kings
• Fukufuji Blanks Ice Dogs 5-0 - Bakersfield Condors
• Sea Wolves Nip IceGators 4-3 - Mississippi Sea Wolves
• Wranglers Edge Salmon Kings 4-3 - Las Vegas Wranglers

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.

Other Recent Charlotte Checkers Stories

• Panthers Agree to Terms with Tobias Bjornfot on One-Year, Two-Way Contract
• Panthers Agree to Terms with Wilmer Skoog on One-Year, Two-Way Deal
• Robert Mastrosimone Joins Checkers on AHL Deal
• Tera Black Named 2025 Thomas Ebright Award Winner by AHL
• Checkers 2025-26 Schedule Released