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So far, 2017 has treated the Charlotte Checkers quite well. After a strong showing in January, the Checkers have started February on the right foot with a 3-1-0 record. The Checkers have won three straight games and now sit 20th in the American Hockey League.
The Checkers’ resurgence can be attributed to an offensive improvement. Charlotte has averaged 2.65 goals per game since the start of the year, and have scored three or more goals in nine of their 17 games in 2017.
The Checkers started February with a 3-2 loss to the Tucson Roadrunners (Arizona Coyotes affiliate). Charlotte was down 2-0 and managed to tie the game but allowed the game winning goal with 21 seconds left in the third period. The Checkers followed up the loss with a solid 4-2 win the following day. Patrick Brown led the way for the Checkers, notching a goal and an assist. Despite the win, the Checkers have the third worst road record in the league at 7-17-2. (Sound familiar?)
Charlotte returned home the next weekend for a pair of games against the Stockton Heat (Calgary Flames affiliate). The Checkers won the first game 3-1 behind a 26 save performance by goalie Michael Leighton. Dennis Robertson, Patrick Brown and Phil Di Giuseppe each notched a goal for the home team.
The Checkers beat the Heat 3-0 in the second game of the weekend on Pink in the Rink night. Leighton led the way once again for the Checkers, recording a 23-save shutout. The Checkers auctioned off their game-worn pink jerseys at the conclusion of the game. Proceeds from the auction went to breast cancer organizations and charities.
Charlotte will take their three-game win streak on the road to Milwaukee on February 17th. The Checkers will follow up that game by facing off against the Rockford IceHogs on February 18th and then will return to Milwaukee again to face off against the Admirals on the 19th.
Since Last We Met:
- February 3: Tucson 3, Checkers 2
- February 4: Checkers 4, Tucson 3
- February 10: Checkers 3, Stockton 1
- February 11: Checkers 3, Stockton 0
Next Up for the Checkers: (22-23-3-0, 47 points, 5th Central Div)
- February 17: at Milwaukee
- February 18: at Rockford
- February 19: at Milwaukee
- February 24 and 25: home vs. Cleveland