ECHL Charlotte Checkers

Falardeau and Bayrack net two goals in 4-3 win

March 14, 2009 - ECHL (ECHL)
Charlotte Checkers News Release


Charlotte N.C. - Lee Falardeau has only suited up in 16 games this season but it's easy to see why the Checkers covet each time he steps onto the ice as he tallied two goals including the game winner in a 4-3 victory against the Gwinnett Gladiators.

The Gladiators struck on their first shot just 48 seconds into the first period when Jean-Claude Sawyer's wrister rolled through the legs of Checkers netminder Jeff Jakaitis. During the remainder of the first, the Checkers found themselves on the worse end of a two-man advantage but on the strength of their goaltending ended the period only down 1-0.

The second period was a wild affair as both teams got in on the scoring. First, the Checkers tied the contest after Lee Falardeau struck for a power-play goal at 2:24 tying the contest at 1-1. The Gladiators retrieved their one-goal lead after a shot from the Checkers blueline by Matt Siddall was deflected past Jakaitis by Gladiators defenseman Brennan Turner at 9:43. Less than a minute later, the Checkers tied the game for a second time when Mike Bayrack skated hard to the net, took a nice pass from Marty Guerin and blasted a shot past Gwinnett netminder Dan Turple at 10:29. The Checkers took their first lead of the contest on another goal by Bayrack but this was during a man-advantage. Falardeau's no look backhand pass went to the stick of Bayrack who made no mistake roofing a shot over Turple's shoulder at 12:41. The Checkers continued on the power-play but they surrendered a short-handed goal after Andy Brandt rifled a shot over the right shoulder of Jakaitis at 13:29. The contest remained tied till the end of 40 minutes of hockey.

The game winning goal was tallied by Falardeau just 32 seconds into the third period. Ryan Murphy supplied a great centering pass to Falardeau who fired it into the net for a 4-3 lead.

Notes: Jakaitis turned aside 28 of 32 shots...the Checkers scored two power play goals on five chances and they held the Gladiators scoreless on six attempts...

The Checkers are playing their 16th season of play as a member of the ECHL. The next home game takes place on March 15 against the South Carolina Stingrays 4 P.M. start. In the team's 15-year history, the Checkers have made the playoffs 11 times including four consecutive playoff appearances to date. The Checkers are in their fourth season of play at Time Warner Cable Arena. For season ticket information, please call 704-342-4-ICE or visit www.gocheckers.com.

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