ECHL Charlotte Checkers

Checkers comeback stopped in shootout by Wildcatters

March 29, 2008 - ECHL (ECHL)
Charlotte Checkers News Release


Beaumont, T.X-The Checkers finally got a point during the season series with the Texas Wildcatters but it was during a shootout defeat by a score of 4-3.

Wildcatters captain, John McNabb tallied two goals in the first period. He netted his first on the power play when a deflected shot by Texas defenseman, David Schulz lay in the high slot where McNabb turned and fired it through traffic and between the legs of Holt at 4:52. Later, Wildcatters pivot man, Brandon Benedict found a loose puck on the left wing side and blasted a shot that was deflected by McNabb at 7:49 putting Texas up, 2-0 after the first twenty minutes.

Things would turn around for the Checkers during the middle frame. Charlotte would get on the board during a two-man advantage when Chris Capraro fed Blake Bellefeuille through the crease for an easy tap in behind Texas goalie, Kris Tebbs at 4:11. Charlotte would follow up with an ensuing power play tally by Kenton Smith when he blasted a shot over the catching glove of Tebbs at 4:59 tying the contest at 2-2. Texas would recapture a lead when McNabb scored his third of the game taking a shot from the high-slot that found its way through traffic and past Holt at 9:41. An aggressive play by Checkers forward, Tom Pyatt would help tie the contest when he worked the puck on the left wall and centered a pass for Kirk DeWaele that tipped over the shoulder of Tebbs and into the net with only 40 seconds left in the middle frame locking the contest at 3-3.

Neither team was able to strike in the third period or overtime so the game headed to a shootout. During the shootout, McNabb scored for the Wildcatters while Pyatt answered for the Checkers. The 6th round brought about sudden death and only the Wildcatters received a goal from Colin Nicholson giving his team a 4-3 win.

The Checkers are in their 15th season of play as a member of the ECHL. Their next home game takes place on April 3 against the Columbia Inferno. In the team's 14-year history, the Checkers have made the playoffs 10 times including three consecutive playoff appearances to date. The Checkers are in their third season of play at St. Lawrence Homes Home Ice at Charlotte Bobcats Arena. Season tickets are on sale now with full-season packages starting at just $175. For season ticket information, please call 704-342-4-ICE or visit www.gocheckers.com.

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ECHL Stories from March 29, 2008


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