ECHL Charlotte Checkers

Checkers hockey just go Harder

September 15, 2004 - ECHL (ECHL)
Charlotte Checkers News Release


CHARLOTTE, NC – The Charlotte Checkers announced today that center Mike Harder has agreed to terms for the 2004-05 season. The announcement was made by Checkers head coach Derek Wilkinson.

"Both coach [Alan] Egeland and I have played against him over the years and know he'll be a key player for us here in Charlotte," said Wilkinson. "On and off the ice, his talent and leadership make him a great addition to the organization."

Two years ago, the Frankfurt Lions were dead last in the DEL (Deutsche Eishockey Liga) – known worldwide as the elite German Hockey League. When the 6-foot, 180-pound Harder was brought on board, all of that changed. Behind Harder's masterful play, the Lions leapt from last to first, making a remarkable turnaround and winning the DEL Championship. The Winnipeg native set a league record by scoring the winning goal in every series. Since turning pro, Harder has racked up 300 points in 385 games.

Since the start of his career, Harder has become a master at crafting incredible seasons. At his alma mater, Harder still holds the record as Colgate University's all-time leading scorer and he was a finalist for the Hobey Baker award. In 1998-99, Harder went on to be a top ten scorer in the American League, tallying 79 points in 79 games. He signed with the New York Rangers in 1999 and proceeded to lead the Hartford Wolf Pack in its successful quest for the Calder Cup.

Said Harder, "I'm really looking forward to coming down and being a part of the team. I've heard nothing but good things about Charlotte as a city and I'm excited to discover it. I'm also very excited to have the chance to play for Coach Wilkinson who I remember as a fierce competitor."

With Harder's arrival, the Checkers roster is now officially at 13. Goalie Mike Ayers, wingmen Eddie Pershin, Dusty Jamieson, and Matt Chandler, defensemen Dan Preston, Clay Plume, Brett Petersen, and Kenton Smith, and forwards Allan Egeland, Justin Dziama, Tyler Lawson, and Cody Loughlean were all previously announced as having agreed to terms.

Check out the Charlotte Checkers Statistics



ECHL Stories from September 15, 2004


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