Checkers Double up Sharks 4-2

Published on November 27, 2010 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Worcester Sharks News Release


WORCESTER, MA - Joe Loprieno scored his first professional goal and Alex Stalock made 34 saves but Worcester got doubled up by the Checkers 4-2 at the DCU Center in Worcester on Saturday night. The Sharks had their three game winning streak snapped and will wrap up their 4-in-5 weekend with a 3pm battle with the first place Monarchs at the DCU Center tomorrow.

Matt Irwin also scored for the Sharks and Worcester fell for the first time when leading after the first period (5-1-0-0) as the Checkers scored three unanswered goals.

The Checkers grabbed a 1-0 lead at 5:02 after a tough angle shot by Chris Terry (9th) from the left wall was deflected off a Sharks defenseman and past Alex Stalock. Defenseman Joe Loprieno (1st) scored his first professional goal (58th game) playing forward as he poked a rebound past Justin Pogge at 11:38 after a shot from the point by Jay Leach to tie the score at 1-1. Matt Irwin (2nd) gave the Sharks a 2-1 lead after a terrific behind the back backhand pass by Brandon Mashinter to the left slot for Irwin. Matt fired a shot past the goaltender's glove at 17:30. At the ensuing faceoff, Jason Pitton (1st FM) and Nicolas Blanchard (7th FM) squared off at center ice for a rock'em sock'em brawl at 17:33. The Sharks led 2-1 after the first period outshooting the Checkers 15-13.

Drayson Bowman (10th) tied the game at 2-2 at 10:17 of the 2nd period after the Sharks had two chances to clear the puck out of their zone. A centering feed from the right corner by Bowman was deflected off a sprawled Alex Stalock who was weary of a wide open Checker on top of the crease. The Checkers had several chances to take a lead but Stalock stood tall making several nice saves. The score was tied 2-2 after forty minutes with the Sharks holding a 29-21 shots advantage.

The Checkers went ahead 3-2 on a 5-on-3 power play chance at 1:49. After Stalock made several great saves, Zach Boychuk (9th) buried home a loose rebound after Jerome Samson' s shot was denied by Stalock. Worcester had a late power play and had several good chances to tie the score but Justin Pogge stood his ground and Jon Matsumoto (4th) scored an empty netter to seal the victory at 19:54.

The Sharks record falls to 10-6-1-3 with 24 points through 20 games and 5-3-1-1 at the DCU Center.

Notes: Perfect Game Three Stars: 3rd star: Justin Pogge (41 saves) 2nd star: Joe Loprieno (1st professional goal), 1st star: Drayson Bowman (1-0-1, 4 shots) Final shots were 43-38 in favor of the Sharks... Justin Pogge made 42 saves on 44 shots for Charlotte; Alex Stalock made 34 saves on 37 shots for Worcester ... Dan DaSilva had a three game goal scoring streak (3-1-4) snapped... Worcester went 0-for-3 on the power play and don't have a power play goal in five games... while Charlotte went 1-for-3... the Sharks dressed seven defensemen and 10 forwards... Joe Loprieno played forward for the Sharks for the 2nd straight game and scored his first professional goal... before the game Tommy Wingels was recalled by the San Jose Sharks... Worcester signed Jason Pitton and Jim McKenzie to PTO's before the game; they both started the season in Stockton... Pitton picked up an assist and fighting major...Cam MacIntyre, Tony Lucia, Frazer McLaren, and Carter Hutton did not dress for the Sharks... Jay Leach broke an 18 game pointless streak with an assist.

On Sunday, the Sharks host the Manchester Monarchs at 3pm. Its $5 Kids Sundays presented by Papa Gino's! Kids 12-and-under are just $5 with a purchase of an adult gold level ticket! With each complete purchase (along with the purchase of an adult gold level ticket) fans will receive a FREE large cheese pizza coupon to be used at participating Papa Gino's locations. The $5 Kids Sunday ticket offer will only be available at the DCU Center Box Office on the day of the game.

Marina Riva, Chris Curtis, Jonathan Forsberg, Jason Jones, Kristen Moore, and Matt Renzulli are taking deposits for the Sharks 5th season in Worcester! Jump in today and save over 30% off box office prices! Some of the exclusive benefits for full season ticket holders will include:

* Guaranteed same seat for all 40 home dates and playoff home games at the DCU Center

* Priority access to purchase tickets to DCU Center events (subject to availability)

* Five FREE friends and family vouchers

* Exclusive events with the Worcester Sharks players

* Merchandise discounts and much, much, more!

Season ticket packages and group tickets for the 2010-11 season are on sale now by contacting the Worcester Sharks Office at 508.929.0500 or by crashing the net at www.SharksAHL.com .

All games can be heard live on 580AM and 94.9FM WTAG, as well as online through AHL Live, by following the link on the Sharks website at www.SharksAHL.com .

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American Hockey League Stories from November 27, 2010


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