ECHL Charlotte Checkers

Former Checkers coach invades Charlotte

February 1, 2005 - ECHL (ECHL)
Charlotte Checkers News Release


CHARLOTTE, NC – Don MacAdam coached the Checkers for four years, from 2000 to 2004. After being released midway through the 2003-04 season with a record of 19-18-5, he turned over the reigns to current Checkers Head Coach Derek Wilkinson. MacAdam left to become the owner, head coach, and general manager of the Dayton Bombers. The two head coaches meet for the first time on the ice at Cricket Arena on Saturday, February 5th at 7:00 PM. In honor of the historic meeting, the Checkers are giving away a free bobble head of Head Coach Derek Wilkinson to the first 2,000 fans, courtesy of team dentist Dr. Larry Seitlin and Horizon Eye Care.

MacAdam took over the Checkers from former head coach Shawn Wheeler at the midpoint of the 1999-00 season. In 2001, MacAdam led the Checkers to their first winning record and playoff appearance since 1997-98. The Checkers would go to the playoffs the following season, but have not returned since. MacAdam's assistant coach, former NHL goalie Derek Wilkinson, was chosen as his replacement in February, 2004.

At this point in the season last year, the Checkers were 19-17-5. This year under Coach Wilkinson, the Checkers are 24-15-2 and first in the East Division. The Checkers only need eight more wins this season to surpass last season's win total of 31. The Checkers are 13-5-1 at home this season, having won eight out of their last ten, including a seven game home win streak. They have lost only once at home in 2005, and there are seventeen home games remaining on the schedule.

Check out the Charlotte Checkers Statistics



ECHL Stories from February 1, 2005


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central