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ECHL Charlotte Checkers

Checkers Fall to Johnstown

December 21, 2005 - ECHL (ECHL)
Charlotte Checkers News Release


Johnstown, Pennsylvania --A stretch of five games in seven days and four games in five days may have finally caught up with the Charlotte Checkers Tuesday night in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. The Chiefs built a two-goal lead and hung on to defeat the Checkers 3-2 at the famous Cambria County War Memorial.

Dmitri Tarabrin's goal in the second period at 11:32 proved to be the game-winner. Jake Ortmeyer and Brandon Cullen scored for the Checkers, while Charlotte goalie Bernd Bruckler suffered his first loss yielding three goals and making 24 saves.

"It's tough to come this far and not get at least a point tonight," remarked Checkers coach Derek Wilkinson. "The schedule's been tough and may have caught up with us a bit tonight. Losing Nathan (Gillies) and Hugh (Jessiman) didn't help either. I'll just wake up tomorrow and see who we'll have available to play and get ready for Thursday's game at home."

Johnstown jumped off to a 2-0 first period lead on the Checkers and goalie Bernd Bruckler, making his first start in three and a half weeks. With Peter Worrell in the penalty box and the Chiefs on the power play, Gerard Dicaire's screen shot to give Johnstown a 1-0 lead. Adam Henrich gave the Chiefs a 2-0 lead when Bruckler fumbled the puck at the side of his net and Johnstown capitalized at 8:37.

The Checkers got a big goal late in the first period as Ortmeyer's shot dribbled over the goal line to cut Johnstown's lead to 2-1 after 20 minutes.

In the second period Tarabrin's goal gave Johnstown a 3-1 lead before Cullen's strike on a fee from Ryan Fultz would once again cut the Chief's advantage to one goal.

The two teams battled through a scoreless final period. In the last minute of regulation Charlotte pulled Bruckler for an extra attacker. Kenton Smith's screen shot with five seconds left in the game was saved by Chief's goalie Morgan Cey, and Johnstown held on for the 3-2 victory.

The Checkers record dropped to 13-10-2 for 28 points, while the Chiefs raised their record to 9-12-7 for 25 points. Charlotte returns to home ice Thursday at Charlotte Bobcats Arena to host the Augusta Lynx at 7:00 p.m.

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