Charlotte Checkers Check-In (March 1)
Photo: gocheckers.com
Good afternoon Checker fans! It’s time to see how Charlotte’s favorite hockey team has fared over the past week and also look ahead at what’s to come. Since checking in last Friday, the Checkers played just two games, both on home ice against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms last Friday and Saturday. Each game resulted in victories for Charlotte, who were able to give the home crowd what they came for. After a few weeks of uncharacteristically struggling, it seems they have righted the ship. They have now won four of their last five games and still lead the Atlantic Division and AHL in points with 79 (six more than 2nd place Bridgeport).
Last Friday was an awesome night. The Checkers honored the 1980 Miracle on Ice USA hockey team by wearing the same jerseys, except with “CLT” written on it. There was money raising, giveaways, and all kinds of Miracle on Ice-themed merchandise for sale. Aside from the cool promotion, the hockey team was able to send the fans home happy with a 2-1 win. Goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic was great once again (stop me if you’ve heard that before) with 25 saves on the night. Nick Schilkey and Haydn Fleury both scored goals for the Checkers, which was all Nedeljkovic needed. Overall it was a well-played game by the Checkers, who looked very solid on both ends of the ice.
With the chance to sweep the weekend series against the Phantoms, the two squads met up again the next night. Nedeljkovic got the nod for the second day in the row to start between the pipes. This time he made 28 saves on the night, while giving up just two goals. You really cannot say enough about what he’s meant for the Checkers this season. He was subsequently awarded February Player of the Month and deserved every bit of it. The offense was able to give him more cushion in this game as well, with five goals on the night. Forward Julien Gauthier led the way with two goals and the Checkers would beat the Phantoms 5-2.
Photo: bojanglescoliseum.com
After getting nearly a week off, the Checkers are back at it tonight and tomorrow against the Binghamton Devils. The New Jersey Devils’ affiliate currently sits in last place in the North Division with 53 points. This is a great chance for the Checkers to build on their recent success and widen the gap between them and the Sound Tigers. Like it seems to do every day, it is raining outside, so what better way to beat the nasty weather than come indoors for some good ol’ Charlotte hockey? Tonight is mental health awareness night, so bring a piece of sports equipment to donate to a local school and receive a free ticket to the March 24 game against the Hartford Wolf Pack. Tomorrow night will be wrestling night, featuring Charlotte’s very own R-Truth from the WWE. Arrive at the game early for the opportunity to get his autograph. These two games will be a lot of fun, so we hope to see everyone there representing the number one team in the AHL. Go Checkers!
Garett