Checkers split weekend set with IceHogs

CHARLOTTE, NC – With 18 shots on goal in the first period, the Checkers

completely dominated play on Friday evening against the Rockford Ice Hogs. In reply ,the opposition only got off four shots; amazingly the score at the end of the period was 0-0. Alec Richards’s goalie for the Ice Hogs, made 50 saves during regulation and overtime, keeping his team in the game.
 
Rockford went ahead with just over a minute skated in the second period before Michal Jordan tied things up with a fierce shot that Richards almost stopped. In the 17 minute Andrew Shaw beat Checkers goalie Justin Peters from close quarters, to put the Ice Hogs back on top.
 
In the 16 minute of the third period, Zac Dolpe scored his first goal of the season tying the game at 2-2. There was not any score during overtime so the game then went to a shootout with Rockford winning 3-2.
 
After the game Checkers Coach Jeff Daniels was critical of the team’s work rate. It was also disappointing for the 9,698 fans that attended the game which was presented by the Marines.
 
Sunday saw the Checkers get the result they wanted with a 4-3 win over theIce Hogs. This was despite losing goaltender Mike Murphy at the end of the first period through injury. Justin Peters came on making 24 saves. Alec Richards of Rockford was also retired to the bench after Pistilli scored the Checkers game winner in the third, Alexander Salek replaced him.
 
Chris Murray was recalled from the Florida Everblades and got on the score sheet to tie the game up after Peter LeBlanc put Rockford ahead. Jon Matsumoto gave the Checkers the lead that was quashed by Jimmy Hayes for the Ice Hogs who scored their second. Then Chris Durno put the Checkers back in front.
 
Matt Pistilli scored a brilliant winner in the third period to cement the victory. Rostislav Olesz then scored a third for the Ice Hogs, Charlotte defended well to the final buzzer, leaving the score 4-3 to the Checkers.
 
Tonight, Charlotte are in Norfolk to face the Admirals. Coach Daniels is looking for a much improved performance from his team.
 
EddieMitchell@prohockeynews.com
Photos by Tom.Nelson@prohockeynews.com