AHL Charlotte Checkers

Checkers Close out Week with 5-4 Shootout Win

January 6, 2003 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Charlotte Checkers News Release


Augusta, GA – January 5, 2003: The Charlotte Checkers won their second shootout game in the last three games prevailing in Augusta 5-4 Sunday afternoon. In the shootout the Checkers scored four times against Lynx goalie David Brumby while Charlotte goalie Scott Meyer held Augusta to only two. Special teams played a big part in Sunday's win for Charlotte. The Checkers were forced to overextend their penalty killing unit for the second straight game, after being forced to kill off nine Roanoke power plays on Saturday night, and 12 Sunday afternoon at Augusta. The Checkers also had two power play goals of their four goals in regulation.

"Our special teams were exceptional tonight on both ends," quoted Checkers Assistant Coach Derek Wilkinson. "The guys showed exceptional character in playing short this past week. Getting seven of a possible eight points this week in the four games we played was really big."

Augusta scored at 1:04 of the opening period as Jason Shmyr took a pass at the side of the Checkers goal and beat Meyer for a 1-0 Lynx lead. Charlotte tied the game at 1-1 at 4:32 as Brandon Cullen's long shot from just inside the blue line went in by a screened Brumby. Dave Iman's power play goal with just four seconds left in the first period gave the Checkers a 2-1 lead after the first 20 minutes. Augusta outscored the Checkers 2-1 in the second period to send the teams into the third period tied at 3-3. Allan Egeland scored the lone goal for the Checkers in the second frame.

In the third period at 9:07 the Lynx took their first lead since the opening minute of the game as Ryan Lauzon beat Meyer for a 4-3 Augusta lead. But 1:42 later Inman scored his second of the game on a power play, rifling one by Brumby from a Takahito Suzuki assist to tie the game at 4-4. After a scoreless, five-minute sudden death overtime session, the Checkers won the game in the shootout. Eddie Pershin, Suzuki, Nick Bilotto and Egeland connected in the shootout, with Egeland's marker as the Checkers fifth shooter proving to be the game winner.

The Checkers picked up seven of a possible eight points in four games last week, as Sunday's win improved their record to 16-15-2 for 34 points. Charlotte has also gone unbeaten in regulation at 5-0-1 in their last six games. Augusta fell to 11-21-2 for 24 points. The Checkers will begin another four-game week Tuesday when they host division rival Trenton at Cricket Arena at 7:05 p.m.

Check out the Charlotte Checkers Statistics



American Hockey League Stories from January 6, 2003


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.

OurSports Central