ECHL Charlotte Checkers

Checkers Fall To Stingrays In Shootout

November 7, 2007 - ECHL (ECHL)
Charlotte Checkers News Release


Charlotte, N.C. - The Checkers battled the South Carolina Stingrays tonight for the second time this season and the game needed a shootout to decide the winner.

During the first twenty minutes, the only goal came off the stick of Checkers forward Kaleb Betts when he redirected a pass from Chris Capraro behind the Stingrays goaltender, Josh Johnson at 14:10 giving the Checkers a 1-0 lead.

In the middle stanza, the Checkers set up nicely inside the Stingrays zone during a two-man advantage. Capraro would register his second assist when he slid a nice pass to an open Lee Falardeau stationed in front of the net who shot the puck past a helpless Johnson and gave the Checkers a two goal lead at 6:44. The Stingrays would fight back when Stephen Werner fired a backhand shot that found its way into the net behind Checkers netminder Miika Wiikman at 11:02.

In the final period, the Stingrays would get on the board for the second time and tie the contest after winger, Andrew Gordon picked up a loose puck in neutral ice during a Checkers power play, broke into the offensive zone and skated through the crease while shoveling the puck along the ice beating Wiikman at 14:00. Later, Checkers center, Mark Lee had a breakaway with just over two minutes remaining but couldn't convert as Johnson shut the door and the game would go to overtime.

No team was able to end the game during the overtime period and the game went to a shootout. South Carolina would score first when O'Brien beat Wiikman. The Checkers answered when Nathan Gillies scored against Johnson. It took the twelfth shooter in the sudden-death portion to end the contest when Werner made a nice move and fooled Wiikman giving the Stingrays a 3-2 victory.

Notes: Miika Wiikman turned aside 28 of 30 while Johnson stopped 25 of 27...The Stingrays were unable to score on nine power play chances...The Checkers converted one power play goal on eight attempts...Wiikman made his second consecutive start for the Checkers in goal...Mark Lee had an assist in his first game as a Checker this season.

The Checkers are in their 15th season of play as a member of the ECHL. Their next home game takes place on Nov. 10 against the Mississippi Sea Wolves. In the team's 14-year history, the Checkers have made the playoffs 10 times including three consecutive playoff appearances to date. The Checkers will enter their third season of play at St. Lawrence Homes Home Ice at Charlotte Bobcats Arena this fall. Season tickets are on sale now with full-season packages starting at just $399. The Checkers are accepting deposits on all ticket packages. For season ticket information, please call 704-342-4-ICE or visit www.gocheckers.com.

Check out the Charlotte Checkers Statistics



ECHL Stories from November 7, 2007


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