Janne Kuokkanen led the offensive charge, matching a franchise record with five points on the night. The 19-year-old rookie opened the scoring just a minute into regulation, then lit the lamp with a snipe straight off the draw midway through the third. Kuokkanen then jumped on the reeling Bears off the following faceoff, getting sprung for a breakaway to cinch his first hat trick as a pro.
Four other skaters notched two-point games for the Checkers, including Greg McKegg, who set up a slick two-on-one tally for Kuokkanen’s first, then marked a power-play goal in the third to extend his point streak to 12 games.
The Checkers stifled the Bears’ attack, holding the visitors to just 17 shots on the night, and Jeremy Smith picked up his third consecutive win between the pipes.
The Checkers are now bound for the Calder Cup Playoffs for the second consecutive season, though their first-round opponent remains to be decided.
QUOTES
Coach Mike Vellucci on the game and clinching a playoff spot
I thought we started off strong, slowed down and gave up two penalty kill goals but played pretty strong in the end. I’m very happy for the guys.
Vellucci on Greg McKegg’s success since joining the team
It’s experience, and I think he loves it here and is very happy here. He’s played very well and I’m very happy for him.
Vellucci on Janne Kuokkanen’s game
He’s a great kid and he’s worked hard. When he gets confidence he plays well. It’s a tough league for a 19 year old and he’s done extremely well.
Vellucci on the last three games of the regular season coming up
We just want to keep playing well, because you want to peak going into playoffs. Just keep playing well, doing the right things and good things will happen.
Greg McKegg on clinching a playoff spot
It’s good to know that you’re going to be in the playoffs but I don’t think we’re satisfied in there. Obviously there’s still a few games remaining and we want to be the best seed we can going into the playoffs.
McKegg on his success since joining the team
It’s been great so far and there’s a ton of good guys on this team to play with. I’ve been fortunate that Mike has put me in some great spots to succeed. We have a really skilled team that moves the puck nicely and I’ve found some great chemistry with my linemates.
Janne Kuokkanen on his hat trick
It felt pretty good. This season I haven’t scored that many goals, so it’s a pretty good feeling to get three in one game. Our team played really well today and I’m happy we made the playoffs.
Kuokkanen on clinching a playoff spot
It’s really good right now. I think everyone feels that there’s so much potential for this team and what we can do in the playoffs.