Checkers Snap Six-Game Losing Streak
December 9, 2002 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Charlotte Checkers News Release
THURSDAY'S PREVIEW: The Checkers will play the Greensboro Generals for the fourth time this season and the first time at the Greensboro Coliseum. The Checkers are 1-2 against the Generals so far in the eight-game season series, where each team plays four home games. The Generals have won six of their last seven games and are 7-1-2 in their last ten games. Greensboro also enters this week with the ECHL's number one power play unit with a 24.19% efficiency.
FRIDAY'S PREVIEW: The Checkers will host the Reading Royals for the first time this season as the two team's begin a seven-game season series. Four games will be played at Cricket Arena and three at the Sovereign Center in Reading. Last season the Checkers went 2-1-1 against the Royals last season in Reading's inaugural season. The Royals feature former Checker Brandon Dietrich. Reading forward Brian McCullough is leading the ECHL in scoring entering this week with 17 goals and 21 assists for 38 points.
SATURDAY'S PREVIEW: The Lexington (Kentucky) Men O' War will pay their first and only visit to Charlotte in the lone game between the two teams this season. The Macon Whoopee moved during the off-season to Lexington. The Men O' War's home ice is Rupp Arena, the pristine home of Kentucky Wildcats basketball. Former National Hockey League forward and San Jose Sharks scout Jim Wiley is Lexington's head coach. Saturday's game will close out a brief, two-game home for the Checkers.
CHECKERS RECENT MOVES AND TRANSACTIONS:
Friday, December 6 â Signed free-agent goalie Jeff Salajko.
CHECKERS HAVE STILL PLAYED FEWEST GAMES: The Checkers enter this week having once again played the fewest number of games in the ECHL so far this season at 21.
SUZUKI 12TH IN ECHL ROOKIE SCORING: Charlotte rookie Japanese right wing Takahito Suzuki is tied for 12th among rookie scorers with 11g-7a=18pts.
BY THE NUMBERS: The Checkers are third-best in the ECHL in shots against with a per-game average of only 28.8, but are 25th in goals against average at 3.90. Charlotte is tied for first in the ECHL in home power play percentage, clicking at a 25.8% efficiency.
CHECKERS ATTENDANCE: The Checkers are currently seventh of 27 teams in attendance in the ECHL averaging 4,474 per game through nine home dates.
TICKET INFO: Individual game tickets for all Checkers' regular season home games may be purchased through Ticketmaster via phone at (704) 522-6500, via website, www.ticketmaster.com, or in person at the Cricket Arena Box Office located at 2700 E. Independence Boulevard in Charlotte (704) 335-3100. Group Tickets and Mini-Plans are also on sale. Specific ticket information can be obtained by calling the Checkers' office (704) 342-4423.
The Charlotte Checkers enter their tenth season as members of the East Coast Hockey League, who celebrate their 15th anniversary this season. The team is owned by Felix Sabates and Carl Scheer. The Checkers play all home games at Cricket Arena. For more information on Charlotte's professional hockey team, please visit www.gocheckers.com, or call (704) 342-4423.
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American Hockey League Stories from December 9, 2002
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