CHARLOTTE, NC – Charlotte’s defensive side took center stage in the team’s rematch against the Providence Bruins, but it wasn’t quite enough to eke out two points as the Checkers fell in a shootout 2-1.
With Alex Nedeljkovic unable to suit up due to sickness and radio broadcaster Jason Shaya serving as an emergency backup, Jeremy Smith got the start and delivered a 
stellar performance.
The veteran netminder was peppered with 41 shots from a potent Providence offense that entered the game frustrated from the 8-2 loss the night before and turned aside 40 of them across 65 minutes of play.
The Checkers were able to open the scoring thanks to a quick shot from out front by Nicolas Roy that triggered the annual Teddy Bear Toss, with 1,200 teddy bears littering the ice on their way to being donated.
That advantage was erased shortly after, however, and neither side would be able to produce anything else through the remainder of regulation.
After a scoreless overtime period that saw the Bruins control much of the possession and fail to beat Smith, the contest progressed on to a shootout, Charlotte’s first of the season.
Each netminder denied the first three attempts they faced then surrendered a goal on the fourth shooter.
With the shootout in sudden death, Bruins netminder Jordan Binnington stopped Warren Foegele to set up Ryan Fitzgerald’s winner and send Providence home with two points.
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