Checkers stay undefeated with 3-2 overtime win at Columbia
October 30, 2004 - ECHL (ECHL)
Charlotte Checkers News Release
Columbia, SC - October 29: The Checkers will come back to Charlotte Saturday night to stage their home opener unbeaten after winning their third straight on the road to begin the 2004-05 season. The Checkers rallied late as Eddie Pershin scored with just 40 seconds left in the third period to tie the game, and Ryan Cuthbert scored just 35 seconds into sudden-death overtime to propel Charlotte to a 3-2 win.
The Checkers tied the Charlotte modern-day club record for the best start (96-97 TEAM) with their third straight win to open the season, and can set a new record with a win Saturday night in their home opener at Cricket Arena at 7:00 p.m. when they'll once again meet Columbia.
"This is a special group of guys to coach," remarked Checkers coach Derek Wilkinson. "Kelly Guard (goalie) was great in his professional debut and the guys seem to find a way to win. We're very excited about our home opener Saturday night and our players are really looking forward to playing in front of the home fans."
Columbia grabbed the lead 6:11 into the contest when Ryan Campbell scored on a short-handed breakaway for a 1-0 Inferno lead. The Checkers tied the match when Juris Stals slipped a shot past Columbia goalie Mike Minard to knot the match at 1-1 at 12:21.
In the second period the lone goal was scored by the Inferno's Kyle Bruce on a blazing shot from the top of the right face-off circle, and Columbia led 2-1 after two periods. In the third period the Checkers kept fighting and finally capitalized after a late Columbia penalty. Wilkinson pulled Guard and the Checkers enjoyed a six on four advantage in garnering the tying goal by Pershin. In the overtime Cuthbert walked out of the corner in the Columbia zone, cut toward the goal and rifled the puck over the left shoulder of Minard for the game-winner.
The Checkers improved their record to 3-0-0 for six points while Columbia, which earned a point for the overtime loss, fell to 1-0-3 for five points.
Charlotte will stage its home opener on Saturday, October 30 at Cricket Arena at 7:00 p.m. when they'll host the Inferno.Tickets are available now through the Charlotte Checkers office by calling (704) 342-4ICE, through all TicketMaster locations, or on line through _www.TicketMaster.com_ (http://www.ticketmaster.com/) .
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