Checkers tamed by Wildcatters, lose 4-3
Published on January 20, 2008 under ECHL (ECHL)
Charlotte Checkers News Release
Charlotte, N.C. - The Charlotte Checkers continue to have problems with the Wildcatters as they dropped a 4-3 decision Sunday and are winless against Texas in five games this season.
With the Wildcatters sporting a two-man advantage in the first period, Texas forward, Dan Welch would burry a one-timer from Brandon Benedict past Checkers netminder, Chris Holt at 14:29 giving his team a 1-0 advantage.
The Checkers would tie things up in mid-way through the middle frame when Shawn Vinz worked the puck from behind the net to Dallas Steward who swatted it behind Texas goalie, Jeff Pietrasiak at 9:17. Texas recaptured their one-goal lead on a three-on-one break when Moises Gutierrez blasted a shot from the high slot that fooled Holt at 11:34 bringing the game to a 2-1 Wildcatters lead. Charlotte wouldn't be down for long. Defenseman Michael Busto rifled a shot that went through traffic and into the back of the net at 13:14 locking the contest at 2-2. Texas would fight back. This time it was a breakaway by Scott Champagne that beat Holt blocker side. This lifted Texas to a 3-2 lead at 16:32.
The Wildcatters would take steps towards assuring they didn't surrender their advantage again after Champagne would net his second of the contest at 6:03 putting his team up, 4-2. However, Charlotte would continue to claw their way back from behind. Just after the midway point of the final stanza, Ryan Murphy would redirect a pass by Matt Waddell into the net at 10:36. This would make it a one-goal game again with Texas leading, 4-3 but, it wouldn't be enough to bridge the gap and Checkers would skate away with the loss.
Notes: Only Texas had a power play goal on their four tries; the Checkers had six attempts...Holt turned aside 18 of 22 shots while Pietrasiak stopped 20 of 23.
The Checkers are in their 15th season of play as a member of the ECHL. Their next home game takes place on Jan. 25 against the Augusta Lynx. In the team's 14-year history, the Checkers have made the playoffs 10 times including three consecutive playoff appearances to date. The Checkers are in 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 $175. For season ticket information, please call 704-342-4-ICE or visit www.gocheckers.com.
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