Checkers vow to even the score
November 30, 2004 - ECHL (ECHL)
Charlotte Checkers News Release
CHARLOTTE, NC - The Charlotte Checkers (11-4-1; 23 PTS; 1st East Div) entered last week atop the East Division with a four game winning streak on the line. After extending the streak to five against the Augusta Lynx on Tuesday night, the Checkers dropped two straight to the Columbia Inferno and the Pee Dee Pride. Despite the weekend's misfortunes, the Checkers still maintain a one-point lead over Pee Dee for first place in the American Conference. This week the Checkers have the opportunity for revenge as they travel to Florence, SC, for a rematch against the Pee Dee Pride on Friday night, and then return home on Saturday to Cricket Arena for another shot at the Columbia Inferno.
LAST WEEK
Tuesday, November 23 vs. Augusta, W 5-2
The Checkers relied heavily on third period fireworks to put away the Augusta Lynx. Ryan Glenn opened the game with his first goal of the season in front of 3,167 fans. Augusta tied the game in the second period pressuring some solid goal tending from veteran Alex Westlund. Upon entering the final period tied 1-1, the Checkers rallied to mark 4 goals in the final 16 minutes. Team Captain Mike Harder further solidified his role as set-up man with three assists, while center Dwight Helminen racked up two goals. Eddie Pershin continued his impressive play with both a goal and an assist in the game.
Friday, November 26 vs. Columbia, L 3-1
In front of more than 7,100 fans at Cricket Arena, the Inferno were finally able to snap the Checkers' five-game winning streak. The third period surge that has practically become the team's trademark was held at bay by a persistent Inferno team. Thus far the Checkers had dominated the season series with a 3-0-0 advantage, but finally fell victim to Columbia being held to one goal for only the second time all season. Dusty Jamieson managed Charlotte's only goal in the losing effort with assists from Jason Dawe and Rory Rawlyk.
Saturday, November 27 @ Pee Dee, L 3-2
Pee Dee found the Checker's Achilles heel after a cold third period led to Charlotte's first consecutive loss of the season. Mike Harder opened the game with an early goal (5:36) in the first, and Lee Falardeau gave the Checkers another second period lead. The Pee Dee Pride had the final say with two unanswered goals in the second to take a 3-2 lead. Despite solid goal tending by Alex Westlund and the Checkers out shooting the Pride 10-9 in the third period, the Checkers couldn't recover from the one goal deficit.
THIS WEEK
Friday, December 3 @ Pee Dee Pride, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 4 vs. Columbia Inferno, 7:00 p.m. at Cricket Arena
PRACTICE/GAME SCHEDULE
Tuesday, November 30 - Practice @ Cricket Arena -- 10:00 a.m.
Wednesday, December 1 - Practice @ Cricket Arena -- 10:00 a.m.
Thursday, December 2 - Practice @ Cricket Arena -- 10:00 a.m.
Friday, December 3 - Practice @ Cricket Arena -- 10:00 a.m.
**Game @ Pee Dee -- 7:30
Saturday, December 4 - Practice @ Cricket Arena -- 10:00 a.m.
**Game vs. Columbia -- 7:00
Sunday, December 5 - OFF
Monday, December 6 - Practice @ Cricket Arena -- 10:00 a.m.
CHECKERS NEWS
· Center Mike Harder leads the league in points with 22 and is currently second in assists with 15 in 16 games. His 8 game point streak is second best in the league. Winger Eddie Pershin continues to stay among the league's point leaders with 18.
· Winger Dusty Jamieson's 0.313 shooting percentage positions him atop the ECHL with 5 goals in only 16 shots.
· Rookie Goalie Kelly Guard maintains his elite status among the league's best. His average of 2.36 goals per game ranks him among the top 15 in the league. Guard also has a perfect 1.000 save percentage in shootouts this season and leads the league in overtime wins with 2.
· After racking up his first hat trick last week, Lee Falardeau currently has a four game goal streak on the road with 6 goals in his last four road games.
· The Checkers defense continues to prove its worth on both ends of the ice. Kenton Smith is tied for first in the league for goals scored by a defenseman with 5 and leads in defenseman shooting percentage at 0.172. Dan Preston's 12 points is second best for points by a defenseman and his 11 assists in 16 games gives him first place honors among defensemen. Rory Rawlyk is tied for fifth among defensemen point leaders with 9.
· Despite early problems with power play opportunities, the Checkers have improved their road power play percentage to 21.4, bringing them up to 8th in the league.
CHECKERS LEADERS
Goals: Eddie Pershin (8)
Assists: Mike Harder (15)
Points: Mike Harder (22)
Plus/Minus: Rory Rawlyk (+9)
PIM: Rory Rawlyk (35)
Wins: Kelly Guard (7)
GAA: Kelly Guard (2.36)
Save Pct.: Kelly Guard (0.920)
CHECKERS BROADCAST INFO
Tune into all Charlotte Checkers away games as they broadcast on TEAMLINE. Fans can click the TEAMLINE logo on the Checkers website, www.gocheckers.com, or listen on the phone at 800-846-4700, code 2820. On the web or on the phone, listen as the voice of the Checkers, Tim Donelli, brings you all of the away Checkers action.
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