From Russia with love
September 21, 2004 - ECHL (ECHL)
Charlotte Checkers News Release
CHARLOTTE, NC â The Charlotte Checkers announced today that Konrad McKay's rights have been traded to Trenton in return for the rights to goalie Alex Westlund. The announcement was made by Checkers head coach Derek Wilkinson.
The deal may come as a surprise to many who consider McKay a fan-favorite in Charlotte. Since joining the Checkers in 2001, McKay has scored 119 points in 170 games with 589 PIM.
"Obviously, we're trading one good player for another good player. Konrad gave everything he had every day in Charlotte and we appreciate that. We did everything we could to bring him back but simply could not come to terms. We wish him luck in all of his future endeavors."
Filling the vacancy left by McKay is Tyler Lawson, a 6'5" 250-pound monstrosity who racked up 120 penalty minutes in his last 10 games. "We're also expecting a lot of toughness from Hartford," said Coach Wilkinson, alluding to the number of strong players flooding into the ECHL as a result of the NHL lockout.
In exchange for McKay, Charlotte received the rights to Alex Westlund who agreed to terms late yesterday. A goalie standing 5'10" and weighing 181 pounds, the Flemington Village, NJ native spent the past two years cutting his teeth in Russia, during which he posted a .925 save percentage. That's when Team USA called.
At the World Championships in Prague, Westlund and his teammates won a bronze medal. His fellow goalies on the team were Mike Dunham with the New York Rangers and Ty Conklin with Edmonton. Said Westlund "To get a chance to play for Team USA was an unbelievable honor. It was a great experience, probably the most fun I've ever had in hockey."
"We feel that he's one of the elite goaltenders in the ECHL...easily in the top 10 and perhaps even the top 5," said Wilkinson. "His international record speaks for itself. Alex provides us with great goaltending and a positive influence for our younger players."
When asked about moving to Charlotte, Westlund said "I'm really excited. I got a chance to play with Allan [Egeland] in Cincinnati. He was always the type of guy you want as a teammate. This is my first time playing for a former goalie [Coach Wilkinson] but I'm looking forward to it. As for the city, I don't know a ton about Charlotte but I've always liked the rink. The fans are some of the most energetic I've seen."
Off the ice, Westlund's favorite pastime is cooking. During his first two off-seasons, he worked in a small Irish restaurant in Massachusetts. The experience got him hooked and he now practices his craft whenever he gets the chance.
With Westlund's arrival, the Checkers roster is now officially at 14. Wingmen Eddie Pershin, Dusty Jamieson, and Matt Chandler, defensemen Dan Preston, Clay Plume, Brett Petersen, and Kenton Smith, goalie Mike Ayers, and forwards Allan Egeland, Mike Harder, Justin Dziama, Tyler Lawson, and Cody Loughlean were all previously announced as having agreed to terms.
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The Checkers open their twelfth season in the ECHL Friday, Oct. 22 in Greenville and open their home schedule Saturday, Oct. 30 against Columbia. Season ticket packages are currently on sale. For pricing and benefits, contact 704-342-4ICE. Individual tickets will go on sale starting Monday, Sept. 20. For information regarding any promotions and giveaways during the 2004-05 season, log onto www.gocheckers.com.
ECHL Stories from September 21, 2004
- Falcons Sign Talented Duo - Fresno Falcons
- Campbell Returns To Sea Wolves - Mississippi Sea Wolves
- NHL Lockout Hits Home with Dayton Bombers - Dayton Bombers
- Original Paws returning to Pride - Myrtle Beach Thunderboltz
- From Russia with love - Charlotte Checkers
- Titans Acquire Scoring and Toughness - Trenton Devils
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