Checkers win six in a row
Published on January 20, 2005 under ECHL (ECHL)
Charlotte Checkers News Release
CHARLOTTE, NC â The Charlotte Checkers won their sixth consecutive game with a 2-1 overtime win over the Johnstown Chiefs.
Mike Wirll netted both goals for Charlotte, his 7th and 8th of the year, as the Checkers notched their 23rd win, tying them with Pensacola for the American Conference overall lead with 48 points.
"Mike is a streaky kind of goal-scorer who, when he has the confidence, can be very dangerous," said General Manager and Head Coach Derek Wilkinson.
The Checkers came out strong during the first period against the Chiefs, who have lost their last four games. After killing a penalty, the Checkers took the lead at the 8:31 mark of the period when Wirll tapped in a loose puck after a Dusty Jamieson point-blank shot.
A different Johnstown team appeared in the second and third period, dominating the Checkers defense. Rookie Jean Desrochers tied the game up at 1 all at the 8:19 mark of the second period.
Checkers goalie, Alex Westlund, was solid again in net recording his 12th win of the year, stopping 24 out of the 25 shots he faced from Johnstown, including two shots in overtime.
Wirll's second goal of the game came a minute and 55 seconds into overtime. Wirll took a pass from Eddie Pershin and fired the puck over the shoulder of Chief's goalie, David Cann, to secure the victory for the Checkers. It was Wirll's first game-winning goal of the year.
Tonight's win concluded the Checkers perfect six-game homestand. They travel to division rivals Greenville (Friday) and Columbia (Saturday) this weekend. The Checkers return to Cricket Arena on Friday, January 28th against South Carolina at 7 p.m.
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