Columbia shuts out the Checkers 2-0
March 26, 2005 - ECHL (ECHL)
Charlotte Checkers News Release
(Columbia, South Carolina - Friday, March 25) The Charlotte Checkers were shut out for the third time this season, falling to the Columbia Inferno 2-0 Friday night at the Carolina Coliseum in Columbia, South Carolina. Chanse Fitzpatrick and Matt Ulwelling both scored in the second period for the Inferno, and Columbia goalie Mike Minard made 20 saves to earn the shutout.
The Checkers offense struggled most of the night, and especially in the first two periods when they could only muster ten shots. The Checkers are now 1-3-2 in their last six games, with six more regular-season games remaining. Charlotte's road record also fell to one game under .500 at 14-15-3.
"We didn't go to the net much at all, especially in the first two periods," remarked Checkers coach Derek Wilkinson. "We did a much better job in the third period as we finally managed some good scoring chances. On their two goals we had two defensive breakdowns and they capitalized."
After a scoreless first period, the Inferno put a pair of goals on the board in the second period. Just one minute, 22 seconds into the middle period, Fitzpatrick walked in front of the Charlotte net and beat Checkers goalie Kelly Guard from in close for a 1-0 Columbia lead.
The Inferno made it 2-0 at 9:57 as Ulwelling found himself alone right in front of Guard and knocked in his 15th goal of the season. The Checkers only mustered six shots in the second period and only ten through two periods.
While Charlotte applied more pressure in the third period with ten shots, Columbia's defense and Minard held fast for the 2-0 victory.
The Checkers record dropped to 37-23-6 for 80 points, while the Inferno's record climbed to 34-18-11 for 79 points.
Charlotte will continue its five-game road trip Saturday night at Charleston, South Carolina when the Checkers will meet the Stingrays at 7:00 p.m. Following the five-game road trip, Charlotte will return home for two, final, regular-season games at Cricket Arena. On Friday, April 8, the Checkers will host the Greenville Grrrowl, with South Carolina coming to the Queen City on Saturday, April 9. Both games will start at 7:00 p.m.
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