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Charlotte Checkers

Checkers can't stop Everblades' power play

March 18, 2009 - ECHL (ECHL)
Charlotte Checkers News Release


Fort Myers, FL. - Despite holding a one-goal lead in the third period, the Checkers surrendered two power-play goals against in the final period relinquishing their advantage and lost to the Florida Everblades by a 5-3 final.

The only goal that came in the penalty filled first period was struck by Checkers forward Ryan Murphy during a man-advantage. Checkers defenseman Julien Brouillette let a shot go from the point and Florida netminder Kyle Gajewski couldn't control the rebound that went right to Murphy who slammed it into the net at 12:58.

The Everblades tied the contest with a power-play goal of their own when Kevin Baker skated into the crease to blast home a rebound off his initial shot on Checkers rookie goaltender Parker Van Buskirk at 5:46. Charlotte retrieved another one-goal lead on a short-handed shot by Michel Leveille when he wristed the puck over the glove of Gawjewski at 13:27. Florida tied the game after Andrew Sweetland skated through traffic at center and into the Checkers zone where he flipped a pass to the stick of Baker who scored his second of the contest at 13:55. After twenty minutes the game was locked at 2-2.

The Checkers took a lead for the third time in the contest when Matt Schepke scored his first professional goal banging home a rebound from Marty Guerin shot just 22 seconds into the third. The Everblades used the man-advantage to tie the contest when an Andrew Sweetland one-timer found its way over the glove of Van Buskirk at 4:33. This locked the contest at 3-3. Florida took the lead for good when Colin Nicholson found a loose puck in the slot and sent it past the Checkers goalie at 10:13. Florida added another power-play goal by Mathieu Roy at 13:10 and it would spell the end for the Checkers by a 5-3 defeat.

The Checkers are playing their 16th season of play as a member of the ECHL. The next home game takes place on March 20 against the Florida Everblades at 7 P.M. start. In the team's 15-year history, the Checkers have made the playoffs 11 times including four consecutive playoff appearances to date. The Checkers are in their fourth season of play at Time Warner Cable Arena. For season ticket information, please call 704-342-4-ICE or visit www.gocheckers.com.

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