Checkers drop first game on five-game roadtrip, 2-1 at Pensacola
December 6, 2006 - ECHL (ECHL)
Charlotte Checkers News Release
(Pensacola, Florida - Tuesday, December 5) The Charlotte Checkers started their season-long, five-game, ten-day road trip with a solid 60-minute effort. The only thing missing was a victory. Pensacola goalie Mike Ayers was exceptional with 33 saves in helping lead the Ice Pilots to a 2-1 victory over the Checkers Tuesday night in Florida. Ayers thwarted the Checkers most of the night, including 14 big stops in the final period.
Dwayne Hays' power-play goal midway through the final period proved to be the winning goal as Pensacola beat Charlotte for a second consecutive time. The Ice Pilots downed the Checkers 4-2 last Friday night at Charlotte Bobcats Arena. The season series against Pensacola now stands at 1-2.
Mark Lee tallied the lone Charlotte goal, with Ed Hill also scoring for Pensacola. Checkers goalie Chris Holt took the loss with 17 saves. Holt was rarely tested in the contest, with the defeat dropping his record to 8-6-0 on the season.
"We played great tonight and I'm very disappointed that we didn't come away with some points for our efforts," remarked Charlotte coach Derek Wilkinson. "I thought we played gritty and tough road-game hockey. Their goalie had a terrific game and was the main reason we got no points."
The Checkers dominated the first period although the shots were fairly even. Holt had an easy time with his shots while Ayers made some sparking saves.
In the second period both teams exchanged quality chances until Pensacola grabbed the lead in the final minute of the period. Hill popped out of the penalty box and came into the Checkers zone on an odd-man rush. His shot from the top of the right circle somehow eluded Holt and the Pilots drew first blood and took a 1-0 advantage. "I don't know if Chris wasn't prepared for the shot or what but he has to make that save," said Wilkinson.
Early in the final period with the Checkers enjoying a two-man advantage, Lee's shot went off the post and into the net to tie the game at 1-1. Just prior to the winning goal and with Charlotte on the penalty kill, the Checkers Blake Bellefeuille was apparently interfered with as he attempted to clear the puck from his zone. No call was made by referee Jonathan Peterson and seconds later Hay scored for a 2-1 Pensacola lead.
Charlotte had a late power-play opportunity and also pulled Holt for a sixth attacker. But the Ice Pilots thwarted the Checkers last few attempts at the tying goal and hung on for the 2-1 final.
The Checkers record dipped to 10-8-0 for 20 points, while Pensacola earned only its second home win of the season for an overall record of 5-12-2 for 12 points. Charlotte's five-game road trip continues Thursday night when they open up a three-game series in Beaumont against the Texas Wildcatters at 8:00 p.m. eastern time.
NOTES: Dusty Jamieson, Kenny Smith and Bryan Rodney were the Checkers scratches Tuesday night. Goalie Alex Westlund was activated from the injured reserve list and backed up Holt......Hartford Wolf Pack Head Coach and General Manager Jim Schoenfeld attended Tuesday's game in Pensacola.
Following its road trip, Charlotte will return home to Charlotte Bobcats Arena on Friday, December 15 to host the Trenton Titans at 7:30 p.m. at Charlotte Bobcats Arena. The December 15 contest is a "Futures Fridays" game presented by Amtrak. All fans will have an opportunity to register to win a free trip to Raleigh to see the Checkers parent club, the New York Rangers, take on the Carolina Hurricanes on February 15 courtesy of Amtrak.
Tickets for all Checkers home games can be purchased on the official team web site at www.gocheckers.com, on the telephone by using a credit card and calling 1-800-495-2295, or by visiting the Charlotte Bobcats Arena box office.
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