Overall Record: 26-15-6 (Home 16-5-3, Away 10-10-3)
Previous 10: 7-2-1
Standings: 2nd – South Division, 3rd – American Conference
The Checkers are on a roll of late, picking up seven wins in the last 10 games and grabbing sole possession of third place in the American Conference. Charlotte has not lost in regulation at home since Dec. 26 – a span of eight games (7-0-1). Julien Brouillette was returned to the team prior to Sunday’s game and notched two goals and an assist. Power forward Matt Stefanishion was acquired in a trade with Alaska and will make his Checkers debut tomorrow against South Carolina.
Feb. 4 vs. Florida (L 4-3, SO)
The Checkers were edged by the Florida Everblades, 4-3, in shootout on Thursday evening, snapping a five-game home win streak. David Marshall notched two goals for Charlotte while Mike Taylor chipped in with two assists. Munce stopped 30 of 33 shots in a losing effort. The shootout needed 16 shooters and Mathieu Roy eventually scored in the eighth round to propel the Everblades to the 4-3 victory.
Feb. 5 vs. Florida (W 3-2)
Charlotte fell behind on two quick goals in the second period but battled back for the 3-2 win over the Florida Everblades on Friday night in Uptown Charlotte. Aaron Slattengren led the way offensively with a goal and an assist while Ryan Munce stopped 18 of 20 shots for his 10th win of the season. With the win, the Charlotte took a two-point lead in the standings over Florida and grabbed sole possession of second place in the South Division.
Feb. 7 vs. Toledo (W 5-1)
The Checkers continued their dominance at home as they jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first half of the game and pounded the Toledo Walleye 5-1. Julien Brouillette, who was returned to Charlotte by Hartford prior to the game, notched two goals and an assist, while Matt Schepke potted two of his own. Newcomer Cedric Lalonde-McNicoll collected a goal and two assists while Ryan Munce stopped 25 of 27 for the Checkers, who have not lost in regulation at home since Dec. 26, a span of eight games (7-0-1).
NOTES:
Charlotte is 7-0-1 in its last eight home games…the Checkers have outshot their opponents 210-135 in the last five games (average of 42 to 27)…Julien Brouillette has 11 points (6g, 5a) in his last 10 games and ranks fourth among all ECHL defensemen with 29 points (12g, 17a)…Aaron Slattengren has eight goals in his last eight home games…T.J. Reynolds leads the ECHL with 193 penalty minutes and is second in overall plus-minus with a +20 rating… Derek Couture, Kenny Roche and Kevin Schaeffer remain with Hartford (AHL) while Matt Ford and Randy Rowe are with Lake Erie (AHL)…Trevor Glass, Chris Snavely and Chris Chappell are on the 21-day injured reserve.
MILESTONES/RECORDS:
100 career wins – Ryan Munce currently has 98 professional victories.
RECENT TRANSACTIONS:
2/8 Delete Cedric Lalonde-McNicoll Recalled to Lake Erie (AHL)
2/7 Add Julien Brouillette Returned from Hartford (AHL)
2/7 Add Matt Stefanishion Acquired in trade from Alaska
2/4 Add Cedric Lalonde-McNicoll Assigned by Lake Erie (AHL)
2/3 Delete Codey Burki Placed on the 3-day IR
1/30 Delete Miika Wiikman Recalled to Hartford (AHL)
UPCOMING GAMES:
The Checkers will host South Carolina Wednesday at 7 p.m. Ticket information can be obtained by calling 704-342-4-ICE or visiting www.gocheckers.com.
