Checkers Burned By Inferno, Lose 4-2
December 28, 2007 - ECHL (ECHL)
Charlotte Checkers News Release
Charlotte, N.C. - Despite making two comebacks during the contest, the Checkers dropped a road game to the Columbia Inferno by a score of 4-2.
In the first period, after making a couple great saves early, it was an unfortunate bounce that fooled Checkers goaltender, Matt Zaba. After an Inferno face-off win, Jeremy Hall fired a shot that deflected off the stick of Checkers defenseman, Jared Nightingale and behind Zaba at 2:04.
During the middle stanza, the Checkers would tie things up on the power play when Blake Bellefeuille's slap shot sailed past Inferno goalie, Jeff Jakaitis at 7:40. Columbia would recapture their one goal advantage after Tyler Doig took a one-timer that found its way through traffic and behind Zaba at 14:03. Charlotte would once again tie the game after defenseman a Matt Waddell shot from the blueline fooled Jakaitis at 17:31 locking the game at 2-2.
In the third period, two quick goals from the Inferno would seal the deal as Daniel Sparre would net the goal that turned out to be the game winner. Sparre was stationed in front of Zaba and one-timed a pass from Doig short side and in the net at 9:51 giving Columbia their third one goal lead of the game. They would follow up less than a minute later when the initial save by Zaba resulted in a bad rebound it was Anthony Battaglia at 10:33 who banged it home. The Inferno would skate away with a 4-2 victory.
Notes: Zaba turned aside 31 of 35 shots while Jakaitis stopped 27 of 29...Only Charlotte managed a power play goal on their five attempts. Columbia had two five on three advantages but were unable to capitalize. They went scoreless on seven chances with the man advantage.
The Checkers are in their 15th season of play as a member of the ECHL. Their next home game takes place on Dec. 29 against the South Carolina Stingrays. In the team's 14-year history, the Checkers have made the playoffs 10 times including three consecutive playoff appearances to date. The Checkers will enter their third season of play at St. Lawrence Homes Home Ice at Charlotte Bobcats Arena this fall. Season tickets are on sale now with full-season packages starting at just $399. The Checkers are accepting deposits on all ticket packages. For season ticket information, please call 704-342-4-ICE or visit www.gocheckers.com.
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