Source: Icon Sportswire / Getty
The Charlotte Checkers held a media day today as the team prepares for their home opening games this weekend on October 18th and 19th. The team started the season strong on the road beating the Scranton Penguins 7-6 and the Bridgeport Islanders 3-0. Aidan McDonough has 4 goals through the first two games including a hat trick in the season opener and the game-winning goal in both contests. Goalie Ken Appleby posted a shutout in the game against the Bridgeport Islanders, which was also his first start for the Checkers.
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The team is led by Head Coach Geordie Kinnear who has been the HC since September 2020. He is the 6th HC in Checkers AHL history and has an overall record of 120-75-21 which is the second most wins in the AHL era for the team. Coach Kinnear wasn’t all too thrilled with the 7-6 win to open the season, but said it’s to be expected for a team’s first time playing together. He said the first month of the season will be critical for improving the team and getting the chemistry of the team to a better place. With three solid options at goalie coach said the team will take the starting decisions day by day, but that veteran Chris Driedger will most likely get the start this Friday versus the Cleveland Monsters.
A familiar name returns to the Checkers as defenseman Trevor Carrick comes back to the organization. He was a part of the Calder Cup-winning team in 2018-19 and is second in franchise history in games played (347) and fourth in points scored (181). Trevor is very excited to be back with the team and said he always wanted to make his return to Charlotte but never thought it would actually happen. He also said that he is excited to be back on a team with a winning culture that plays meaningful games late in the season. When asked how the team deals with guys being called up for extended periods of time he said that it does take a toll, but that you have to be a good teammate and be supportive and realize that means someone is getting their chance and that you could be next.
Goalie, Chris Driedger who was with the Coachella Valley Firebirds last season on their run to the Calder Cup Finals also spoke to the media. After a rocky start to the season allowing six goals in the season opener win versus the Scranton Penguins he attributed the team’s lackluster performance to the squad not having any exhibition games together before the season got started. He said that he’s excited to be a veteran presence to the other goalies on the roster and to see them develop over the season. He played under Coach Kinnear in the past and is excited to be on his team again and loves his coaching style. Chris also mentioned the importance of building chemistry on and off the ice with his teammates, especially since there are so many new faces on the team this year including himself. When asked what goalies he looked up to growing up he mentioned Patrick Roy, Ed Belfour, and Carey Price.
The Checkers are looking to continue their playoff streak, appearing in the last six seasons. The Checkers have also finished in the top ten of average attendance in the AHL in four of the last five seasons so kicking off the home opener with a win would be massive for the fanbase.