The Checkers are in the playoffs. Congratulations to Derek Wilkinson and the rest of the team for a fantastic second place finish.
Here, Wilkinson gives us his exclusive preview of the upcoming play-off series:
Gwinnett (Atlanta Thrashers/Chicago Wolves)
They are a high scoring team with the 2 reigning MVP’s leading the way in Jeff Campbell and Brad Schell. They are very skilled team that thrives on special teams. They are also backed by very good goalie tandem of Craig Kowalski and Dan Turple. Kowalski knocked us out of the playoffs last year while with Florida.
Charlotte (New York Rangers/Hartford Wolf Pack)
We are a physical, grinding team that struggles to produce goals. We rely on very good defense and goaltending. Chris Holt will need to be at his best for us to have a good run. A team that is capable of doing great things that just hasn’t been together yet. If we can establish our forecheck and physical style we will be a tough team to beat out.
On the squad are a number of players that have spent time with the Wolf Pack and that are potentially in the plans for the future. Among them:
Chris Holt
Ryan Constant
Lee Falardeau
Matt Waddell
Bruce Graham
Mark Lee
Jared Nightingale
Michael Busto did not play with the Pack this season, but has a good shot at the team next season.
CHECKERS RECORD
34-31-7, 75 points
PLAYOFF SCHEDULE
April, 8 @ Gwinnett7:05 pm
April, 10 @ Gwinnett 7:05 pm
April, 12 vs. Gwinnett @ Extreme Ice Center @ 7:00 pm
April, 14 vs. Gwinnett @ Extreme Ice Center @ 7:30 pm *
April, 15 @ Gwinnett 7:05 pm *
*if necessary
CHECKERS LEADERS
Goals: Capraro, Chris (24)
Assists: Kyrzakos, Jeff (32)
Points: Kyrzakos, Jeff (53)
Plus/Minus: Smith, Kenton (+14)
PIM: Nightingale, Jared (196)
Wins: Holt, Chris (15)
GAA: Holt, Chris (2.72)
Save Pct.: Holt, Chris (.915)
*only current players listed
Watch the game tonight on B2LiveTV.com.
(Derek Wilkinson photo courtesy of gocheckers.com)
