The Checkers played winning hockey as they went undefeated in this past week’s games. On Wednesday (Jan. 13) the Checkers topped Grand Rapids by a score of 4-3. They would go on to beat Manitoba on Saturday (Jan.16) 3-2 and also on Sunday (Jan. 17) beating the Moose 4-1.
Three Stars of the week
It was nice to see Phil Di Giuseppe in a Checkers uniform again this season, even if it was just for a brief time. Di Giuseppe played in two games for the Checkers over the week, and he put up two points. He looked solid skating on the ice for the first time back in game action since receiving his concussion up with the Canes. Brody Sutter who has been a little quiet over the past few weeks, exploded for three points. Sutter scored the game winner for the Checkers in the team’s game on Wednesday on a nice breakaway goal where he deked out the goal right out of his jock. Ethan Werek has simply been a monster for this team as of late. He was able to put the puck in the net three times this week, and no goal was bigger than the one he scored on Saturday night in overtime, to give the Checkers a victory. Werek was signed to a player contract in late December and since then, he has tallied seven points in nine games.
Who’s Hot
Daniel Altshuller continued his stellar play, in place of Drew MacIntyre. Altshuller capped off yet another undefeated week for himself and stopped forty-four of forty-seven shots, giving his team more than a good chance to win. Derek Ryan did not let himself go goalless for the week, as he rifled in a shot from the top of the face-off circle, in the Checkers 4-1 win on Saturday. Ryan now has thirty-three points in thirty-eight games, which is good enough for ninth in league points.
Who’s Not
Despite Sergey Tolchinsky’s latest efforts, he was healthy scratched for the Checkers last two games of the week in place for Brock McGinn and Phil Di Giuseppe. Tolchinsky was scratched after coming off a week where he had three points in three games and was playing great hockey for the Checkers. Look for Tolchinsky to pick up where he left off when he reenters the lineup next week.
Injury and roster notes
Danny Biega and Drew MacIntyre missed all three games due to injury. Erik Karlsson, Carter Sandlak, and Sergey Tolchinsky were all healthy extras, for the Checkers three games. The Hurricanes assigned Phil Di Giuseppe and Brock McGinn to Charlotte on Friday (Jan. 15). Phil Di Giuseppe was called up by the Hurricanes on Monday (Jan. 15).
Forward lines as of now
First line: Ethan Werek-Derek Ryan-Justin Shugg
Second line: Brock McGinn-T.J. Hensick-Sergey Tolchinsky
Third line: Brendan Woods-Brody Sutter-Patrick Brown
Fourth line: Kyle Hagel-David Wohlberg-Zach Boychuk
Defensive pairings as of now
First pairing: Rasmus Rissanen-Ryan Murphy
Second pairing: Jake Chelios-Trevor Carrick
Third pairing: Keegan Lowe-Mike Cornell
