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ECHL Charlotte Checkers

Checkers top the East

January 10, 2005 - ECHL (ECHL)
Charlotte Checkers News Release


CHARLOTTE, NC – The Charlotte Checkers (19-13-2) 40 PTS; 1st East Div) are leading the East after a two game home stand against division rivals the Columbia Inferno and the Florida Everblades. The Checkers were able to extinguish the Inferno Friday Night with a 5-2 victory making them 4-2-0 against Columbia this season. Saturday Night, Charlotte faced the Florida Everblades, who shut out the Checkers in their last meeting over New Years weekend. It was a tight race for the victory, but Charlotte pulled it out in overtime with 34 seconds left to beat the Everblades. The home stand continues this week as the Checkers take on the Augusta Lynx on Wednesday, the Greenville Grrrowl on Friday, and the Texas Wildcatters on Saturday at Cricket Arena.

LAST WEEK

Friday, January 7 vs. Columbia Inferno (W 5-2)

The first period ended with Checkers leading 1-0 thanks to Rory Rawlyk's power play fireball, with assist by Brian Escobedo, his first in a Checkers uniform. At 2:11 into the second period, Mike Wirll took a Ryan Cuthbert pass to score his third goal of the season. Not one minute later, Wirll returned the favor, assisting Cuthbert in his sixth goal of the season. Wirll tickled the twine once more in the period, taking forward Stephen Greeley's quick face-off pass to put the Checkers up 4-0. Joseph Dustin added his first goal as a Checker at 5:55 into the third period. Kelly Guard finished the game with 30 saves on 32 shots.

Saturday, January 8 vs. Florida Everblades (W 5-4)

Coming off a 5-goal offensive explosion Friday night against Columbia, the Charlotte Checkers hoped to keep the ball rolling at home against the Florida Everblades. Thus far, the Checkers have stumbled against the Everblades, trailing the season series 0-2-0 and suffering their first and only shutout to Florida goalie, Rob Zepp, on New Year's Day. Paul Lynch crossed to an unmarked Ryan Lang for the one timer at the 16:01 mark during the second period. Third period fireworks gave the 6,176 Charlotte fans a roller coaster ride as Charlotte and Florida went tit for tat scoring three goals a piece including Rory Rawlyk finding Mike Wirll twice and Lee Falardeau once for his three assists of the period. Juris Stals fed Kenton Smith the game winner with 34 seconds left in overtime.

THIS WEEK

Wednesday, January 12 vs. Augusta, 7:00 p.m.

Friday, January 14 vs. Greenville, 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, January 15 vs. Texas, 7:00 p.m.

CHECKERS NEWS

The Charlotte Checkers are leading the East Division with 40 points. They are 3rd in the American Conference and 7th in the League. Mike Wirll had an outstanding weekend, racking up four goals and three assists. He has 14 points total in 18 games. Goalie Alex Westlund is fifth in the league for total minutes played in the season. Kenton Smith is the 16th Leading Defenseman Scorer in the league, with six goals and nine assists. Rory Rawlyk trails behind him at #18 with five goals and ten assists. Charlotte is 25th in the league with a Home Power Play record of 13.5 percent and 27th in the league for Overall Home Penalty Killing record (75.4%).

CHECKERS LEADERS

Goals: Eduard Pershin (11)

Assists: Mike Harder (20)

Points: Mike Harder (30)

Plus/Minus: Rory Rawlyk, Brian Escobedo, Stephen Greeley (+4)

PIM: Eduard Pershin (75)

Wins: Alex Westlund (10)

GAA: Alex Westlund (3.02)

Save Pct.: Alex Westlund (.904)

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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.

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