Checkers Check-In (December 21)

It’s Friday again and that means two things: It’s time to check in on our Charlotte Checkers, and they will be in action tonight in the Bojangles Coliseum. Last weekend the Checkers opened the homestand against the Hartford Wolf Pack and the Utica Comets. They collected a couple of wins in front of the home crowd before they turned around and played the Comets again on Tuesday and couldn’t quite come out on the victorious side. The overtime loss snapped an impressive six game win streak, but also allowed the Checkers to add another point to their AHL leading 46 points.

Last Saturday the Checkers played the comeback role once again as they battled back to secure a 3-2 victory over the Wolf Pack. Nicolas Roy scored the game winning goal and goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic turned in an impressive performance with 27 saves to earn the victory. The teddy bear toss was also an extreme success as many local charities were able to benefit from the kindness of the Charlotte people. The next day when Utica came to town, the Checkers took care of business to earn their sixth win in a row. Aleksi Saarela was able to beat the Comets netminder in overtime to give the Checkers two more points on the season. Callum Booth earned the win in goal. After a day of rest, the Checkers and Comets returned to action this past Tuesday. In another game that went to overtime, it was the Comets this time that earned the extra two points. Once again, the Checkers fell behind but were able to come back and eventually take the lead. But once overtime was forced, it was Darren Archibald for the Comets who snuck one into the back of the net for the victory.

The Checkers are back in action tonight as they play the next two days before getting a week off. They will take on the Bridgeport Sound Tigers both games, who are 2nd in the Atlantic Division, and 2nd in the AHL in points (behind the Checkers in both categories). The only time they have faced the Sound Tigers this season resulted in a 4-2 loss in Bridgeport, so the Checkers will be looking for some revenge. With a seven point lead over the Sound Tigers, the next two days are a great opportunity for the Checkers to distance themselves from a very strong divisional opponent. It is going to be another cool, rainy day in Charlotte today, so come on over to the Coliseum to stay dry and watch some good hockey. Gametime starts at 7:00 p.m. Go Checkers!

Garett