Checkers Win Home Opener Against The Inferno
Published on October 19, 2007 under ECHL (ECHL)
Charlotte Checkers News Release
Charlotte, NC. - The Checkers dropped the puck on their 15th Anniversary season tonight as they defeated the Columbia Inferno, 5-4
The Checkers stormed out of the gate when captain, Blake Bellefeuille scored a short handed goal at 2:52 to the delight of the 8,727 fans in attendance at St. Lawrence Homes Home Ice at Charlotte Bobcats Arena. Later, Dusty Jamieson was given credit for a goal after a Columbia player inadvertently banked the puck off Inferno netminder, Todd Ford at 15:00 giving the Checkers a 2-0 lead. Just over two minutes later, Checkers blueliner, Kenny Smith took a nice pass from Bellefeuille and, after his initial shot, scored on his own rebound extending the lead to 3-0 and spelling a quick night for Ford as he was relieved by Jeff Jakaitis.
Charlotte would continue their offensive onslaught as Bellefeuille tallied another goal at 1:02 of the second and Lee Fallardeau would follow up with his first of the season at 3:39. The Checkers had what seemed to be an insurmountable 5-0 lead, however; the Inferno quickly made good on back-to-back breakaway chances. The first came off the stick of forward, Daniel Sparre at 3:58 and the second by Columbia captain, Brad Ralph.
In the final stanza, Columbia would net two more goals behind Checkers netminder, Chris Holt. Both Jeff Miles and Owen Fussey beat Holt with blazing shots, but ultimately the comeback was in vein and the Checkers would skate away with a 5-4 victory.
Notes: The Checkers went 1 for 7 on the power-play while the Inferno went scoreless on six attempts...Checkers were out-shot 27-26...Holt made 23 saves on 27 shots while Jakaitis turned aside 13 of 15 and Ford made 8 saves on 11 shots...Texas will visit Charlotte tomorrow night at 7:30 p.m...
The Checkers enter their 15th season of play as a member of the ECHL. In the team's 14-year history, the Checkers have made the playoffs 10 times including three consecutive playoff appearances to date. The Checkers will enter 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 $399. The Checkers are accepting deposits on all ticket packages. For season ticket information, please call 704-342-4-ICE or visit www.gocheckers.com.
ECHL Stories from October 19, 2007
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