Ward Makes Debut Tomorrow For Checkers, Ford Returns
Published on March 25, 2009 under ECHL (ECHL)
Charlotte Checkers News Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Charlotte Checkers head coach and general manager Derek Wilkinson announced today that defenseman Steve Ward has been returned on loan from the Portland Pirates of the American Hockey League and will make his Checkers debut tomorrow night at home against the Gwinnett Gladiators. Also, the Lake Eerie Monsters (AHL) have returned Checkers forward Matthew Ford on loan to Charlotte.
Ward, 5-feet-11, 187 pounds, was acquired by the team when they traded defenseman Brian Deeth along with rookie forwards P.J. Corsi and David Rutherford to the Phoenix Roadrunners in exchange for Ward and future considerations. Ward played the majority of this season with the Reading Royals suiting up in 36 games scoring six goals with 19 assists for 25 points and 19 penalty minutes. During this season, Ward has managed to dress for four American Hockey League teams including the Albany River Rats (six games played with one assist), San Antonio Rampage (four games played with zero points), Norfolk Admirals (one game played with zero points) and the Portland Pirates (eight games with one goals and one assist for two points and seven penalty minutes).
Ford, 6-foot-1, 207 pounds, dressed in 22 games for the Checkers scoring 18 goals, which is tied for second on the team and 15 assists for 33 points for third in team scoring. He also leads the team with a +18 rating. The University of Wisconsin product suited up for 25 games with the Hartford Wolf Pack (AHL) this season scoring one goal and adding two assists for three points and registering 10 penalty minutes. His most recent call-up to the AHL with the Monsters saw Ford dress in five games with zero points and two penalty minutes.
The Checkers are in their 16th season of play as a member of the ECHL. The next Checkers home game will take place on March 26 against the Gwinnett Gladiators at 7 p.m. In the team's 16-year history, the Checkers have made the playoffs 12 times including five consecutive playoff appearances to date. The Checkers are playing their fourth season of play at Time Warner Cable Arena. For ticket information, please call 704-342-4-ICE or visit www.gocheckers.com.
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