ECHL Charlotte Checkers

The Ayer apparent

Published on August 26, 2004 under ECHL (ECHL)
Charlotte Checkers News Release


CHARLOTTE, NC – The Charlotte Checkers head coach Derek Wilkinson announced today that he has signed former Hockey East Player of the Year Mike Ayers for the 2004-05 Season. Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"We're thrilled to have him," said Coach Wilkinson. "Mike comes highly recommended from many sources. He certainly has the skills to step in and become one of the top rookie goalies in our league."

Before entering the University of New Hampshire, The 5'11", 190-pound net master was selected by the Chicago Blackhawks in round six, going #177 in the overall 2000 NHL Entry Draft. Four years later, Ayers had accumulated 13 shutouts, 2,532 saves, and a .914 save percentage. In the 2002-03 season alone he tallied 1,139 saves, recorded the first-ever shutout in a Hockey East Championship game, and was named Hockey East Player of the Year.

If history is any indicator, Ayers still has a big net to fill. Other Player of the Year award winners from Hockey East include former NHL stars Brian Leetch, Paul Kariya, Chris Drury, Jason Krog, and Dwayne Roloson.

If Ayers feels any pressure entering the pros, he doesn't let it show. "I'm looking forward to it," said Ayers. "I don't know what to expect because I've never been down South before. It's going to be a whole new experience and I can't wait for the season to start."

When Ayers isn't guarding the net, he's baiting a hook. The Hingham, Massachusetts native grew up fishing with his two brothers in Boston Harbor and hopes to find some good spots in the Carolinas. Said Ayers "It doesn't matter what I'm fishing for. As long as I can find the time to fish, I'm happy."

With Ayers signed, the Checkers roster now officially has 11 players. Wingmen Dusty Jamieson and Matt Chandler, defensemen Dan Preston, Clay Plume, Brett Petersen, and Kenton Smith, and forwards Allan Egeland, Justin Dziama, Tyler Lawson, and Cody Loughlean were all previously announced as having agreed to terms.

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ECHL Stories from August 26, 2004


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