CHARLOTTE, NC – Late goals seem to be the story of the Checkers season so far. On Friday evening in Oklahoma City, a late goal by Matt Pistilli on a power-play gave Charlotte a 2-1 victory. A great way to start a nine-game road trip.
In the first period, Jerome Samson opened the scoring for the Checkers, it was four minutes into the second period before Mark Arcobello of the Barons tied the game. It looked like things would go into overtime when the Checkers got the advantage of a power-play, Pistilli did the rest.
Goalie Mike Murphy had four wins out of his last four starts, making 22 saves against the Barons. Checkers captain Brett Sutter was reassigned to the team from the Hurricanes and center Cedric McNichol looked doubtful for the next game with an injury received in the second period.
Charlotte improved its record for the season to 6-2-1 with a fine win over San Antonio Rampage. Brett Sutter showed he was pleased to be back by getting the first Checkers goal of the evening. This was after the Rampage had gone ahead in the fifth minute with Colby Robak scoring. Chris Terry then added a second, scoring on a first-period power-play. Terry added a third on the team’s third power-play and Drayson Bowman finished off an excellent evenings work with number four.
Again Mike Murphy had a good game making 35 saves, giving him his fifth win in a row.
After the game Head Coach Jeff Daniels praised Chris Terry’s performance. Last season Terry scored 34 goals, until the Rampage game he had been unable to find the net but that all changed in San Antonio. The team then moved onto Houston.
Again late goals seem to have dominated the Checkers season, especially against the Houston Aeros. For the third time with just over two minutes remaining in normal time the Aeros came up with a winning goal. Carson McMillan got the game winner, that was followed by an empty net goal to make the score 5-3 to Houston.
The game was riddled with penalties, with the Checkers scoring two goals on 5 to 3 power-plays. Justin Soryal scored his first goal of the season then the Checkers had the power-plays that gave Jon Matsumoto and Jerome Samson the opportunity to give the Checkers a three two lead going into the third period.
In the third, it was Charlottes turn for penalties against them with Houston taking advantage of a five three situation. Mike Murphy in goal for the Checkers, made 20 saves, but had his winning streak of five games ended.
The Checkers will be practicing in Charlotte this week before departing on another three game road trip. Friday, November 4 they take on Milwaukee Admirals, November 5 they are at Grand Rapids Griffins, then to Rockford to face the Ice Hogs.
The 10th Annual Checkers Charity Golf Tournament to benefit Presbyterian Hospital, Hemby Children’s Hospital, Teach for America and Discovery Place will take place Tuesday November 15 at Olde Sycamore Golf Plantation in Mint Hill, NC.
The next home game Charlotte will host Rockford Ice Hogs Friday, November 18. Eddie Mitchell@prohockeynews.com
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