CHECKERS SWAP FORWARDS WITH ECHL AFFILIATE
Staal recalled from Everblades; McKenzie re-assigned
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Charlotte Checkers general manager and head coach Jeff Daniels announced today that forward Jared Staal has been recalled from the ECHL’s Florida Everblades, while forward Mike McKenzie has been assigned to Florida.
Staal, 20, returns to the Checkers for the third stint this season. In 12 AHL games with Charlotte, he has one goal and two penalty minutes. The 6-foot-4, 214-pound forward has played in 22 career AHL games with San Antonio and Charlotte. Staal also has six goals and five assists (11 points) in 33 games with the Everblades this season.
Originally drafted by the Phoenix Coyotes in the second round of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, Staal was acquired via trade by the Hurricanes on May 13, 2010.
McKenzie, 24, has played in nine games with the Checkers this season and recorded six penalty minutes. A native of Whitby, Ontario, McKenzie is in his first full season of professional hockey after spending four seasons at St. Lawrence University (ECAC). He has 35 points (17g, 18a) in 51 games with Florida this season.
The Checkers (34-20-2-6) are in action this weekend with three road games against Providence, Worcester and Manchester. The team will return home on Tuesday, Mar. 8 to battle the Binghamton Senators at Time Warner Cable Arena. For ticket information, call 704-342-4423 or visit www.gocheckers.com.
