Overall Record: 2-6-0 (Home 0-2-0, Away 2-4-0)
Previous 10: N/A
Standings: 8th – East Division, 15th – Eastern Conference
The Checkers went 1-2-0 on their recent three-game road trip, falling victim to hot goaltending in the two losses. Jon Matsumoto picked up three points (1g, 2a) against his former team, Adirondack, in the Checkers’ 5-1 win Friday and leads the team with nine points (3g, 6a). Former first round pick Zach Boychuk is showing the talent that attributed to his high draft selection, netting four goals in his last four games. Jiri Tlusty’s conditioning stint has ended and he has rejoined the Hurricanes while Brett Carson has been re-assigned to Charlotte.
UPCOMING GAMES
Friday at Binghamton Senators, 7:05pm
Saturday at Binghamton Senators, 7:05pm
Charlotte will head to Binghamton on Friday for a two-game set against the Senators (3-3-1). Fans can watch or listen to both games by heading to www.AHLLive.com. The team will then return home to play 10 of the next 11 games at Time Warner Cable Arena beginning on Tuesday, Nov. 2.
LAST WEEK’S RECAPS
October 20 vs. Albany (L 2-1)
The Checkers were doubled-up, 2-1, on Wednesday evening in their first ever trip to Albany since being purchased and relocated to Charlotte over the summer. Albany forward Michael Swift scored the game winner with less than five minutes to play and goaltender Jeff Frazee was solid, turning away 25 of 26 shots. Chris Terry scored the lone goal for Charlotte and led the way with six shots on goal.
October 22 vs. Adirondack (W 5-1)
Charlotte scored early and often, en route to a 5-1 victory over the Adirondack Phantoms on Friday evening in Glens Falls, N.Y. Five different goal scorers contributed to the offensive outburst for the Checkers, who snapped a four-game losing streak with the win. Jon Matsumoto burned his former team with three points (1g, 2a), including the game-winning goal, in his first game against the Phantoms since being acquired by the Hurricanes over the summer. Mike Murphy had another strong game for the Checkers, making key saves when called upon and stopping 31 of 32 shots for his second win of the season.
October 24 vs. Manchester (L 2-1)
The Checkers outshot Manchester by a wide margin but were edged 2-1, Sunday as they made their first ever trip to New Hampshire. Monarchs forward Corey Elkins scored the game-winning goal midway through the third period and rookie goaltender Martin Jones stopped 36 of 37 shots in his AHL debut. The Checkers’ lone goal was scored by Zach Boychuk and Charlotte netminder Mike Murphy matched Jones’ intensity allowing only two goals on 24 shots.
LEADERS
Goals: Boychuk, Samson (4)
Assists: Matsumoto (6)
Points: Matsumoto (9)
+/-: Jordan, FitzGerald (+1)
PIM: FitzGerald (54)
Wins: Murphy (2)
GAA: Murphy (2.68)
SV%: Murphy (.918)
RECENT TRANSACTIONS
10/26 Delete Ethan Graham, D – Loaned to Florida (ECHL)
10/26 Delete Jiri Tlusty, F – Recalled from loan by Carolina (NHL)
10/24 Add Brett Carson, D – Returned on loan from Carolina (NHL)
10/16 Delete Brett Carson, D – Recalled from loan by Carolina (NHL)
10/12 Add Jiri Tlusty, F – Conditioning loan from Carolina (NHL)
The Checkers will return to Time Warner Cable Arena on Tuesday, Nov. 2 to host the Portland Pirates (AHL affiliate of the Buffalo Sabres). Pro-rated season ticket packages and mini-plans for the inaugural 2010-11 AHL season are on sale and start as low as $10 per game. Ticket information can be obtained by calling 704-342-4-ICE or visiting www.gocheckers.com.
