
Ford has triumphant return to Charlotte
March 10, 2009 - ECHL (ECHL)
Charlotte Checkers News Release
Charlotte N.C. - Checkers players and coaches are quick to tell you they miss Matthew Ford when he isn't in the lineup and after his two power-play goal outburst against the Gwinnett Gladiators, it's easy to see why. Ford and the Checkers beat the Gladiators for the first time in six games by a score of 4-1.
Matthew Ford made his presence felt in his return to the Checkers lineup when he struck for two-power play goals in the first period. Ford took a nice pass from Mike Bayrack and blasted a shot past a sprawling Gladiators goaltender Josh Johnson at 13:41. Ford's second tally came off a rebound from a point shot by Marty Guerin. Johnson couldn't handle the rebound and Ford slammed the puck into the net while stationed at the lip of the crease at 19:42. The Checkers held a 2-0 lead after one period.
Neither team was able to strike during the second period, but the Gladiators got on the scoreboard when Tom Zanoski found a loose puck in front of Checkers goaltender Jeff Jakaitis and slammed it into the net at 4:36. Despite giving up their first goal of the contest, the Checkers were relentless on the attack scoring two more goals. The first was a blast from the slot by Ryan Murphy at 11:00 and the last goal of the contest was the first of the season from Marty Guerin on a nice move that fooled the goaltender Johnson at 17:23.
Notes: The Checkers scored twice on three power-play chances while the Gladiators were held scoreless on four attempts...
The Checkers are playing their 16th season of play as a member of the ECHL. The next home game takes place on March 14 against the Gwinnet Gladiators at 7 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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