Checkers get political

October 20, 2004 - ECHL (ECHL)
Charlotte Checkers News Release

CHARLOTTE, NC – The Charlotte Checkers announced today that they have signed an affiliation agreement with the Ottawa Senators of the National Hockey League and their AHL affiliate, the Binghamton Senators of Albany, NY. The Checkers are also affiliated with the NHL’s New York Rangers and the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack.

Senators General Manager John Muckler, Checkers President Jeff Longo and Checkers Head Coach Derek Wilkinson agreed upon the affiliation, which will certainly see Charlotte landing some top prospects who will sharpen their game in the Queen City.

One such prospect is goalie Kelly Guard, who is the first player to be assigned to Charlotte by Ottawa for the 2004-05 season. Guard, a native of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, had great success in the crease for the Kelowna Rockets of the WHL. From 2002-04, the 6’1”, 203-pound netminder played in 115 games, coming away with 83 victories. Last season alone, Guard posted a WHL leading 1.56 goals-against average along with a WHL record 13 shutouts. He also appeared in 17 post-season games, winning 11 of them with a 1.78 GAA.

“The Checkers are a team with strong leadership and a clear sense of direction,” said Ottawa General Manager John Muckler. “Under the daily guidance of Coach Wilkinson, we feel confident that our young talent is being nurtured for future success in our organization.”

“The opportunity to work with Ottawa is a thrill for us here in Charlotte,” said Coach Wilkinson. “The fact that we have the ability to work with five-time Stanley Cup winner John Muckler and his organization will be a great compliment to our Rangers affiliation.”

This is the first affiliation between Charlotte, Ottawa, and Binghamton.

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