Checkers vs. Royals: 12/21/06

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CHECKERS PRESS RELEASE (http://www.gocheckers.com/fullstory.php?id=543)

CHECKERS DEFEATED IN SHUTOUT BY ROYALS

CHARLOTTE, NC - The Charlotte Checkers were defeated in a shutout 3-0 by the Reading Royals Thursday night at St. Lawrence Homes Home Ice at Charlotte Bobcats Arena.

Reading ’s Joe Zappala scored the first of three goals 1:10 into the game. Zappala’s goal was an even-strength goal assisted by Dany Rousin giving the Royals the early advantage. Malcolm MacMillan scored the second Reading goal at 8:37 in the first period which was unassisted increasing the Royals lead at 2-0 going into the second intermission.

Ryan Constant and Nathan Giliies both received five minute majors for fighting in the second and third periods, respectively.

The final Reading goal was and even-strength goal scored at 12:26 in the third period by Doug Christiansen giving Royals goaltender Jeff Pietrasiak the shutout for the evening stopping 18 shots on goal.

Charlotte goaltender Alex Westlund was charged with the loss stopping 25 of 28 shots on goal for the evening.

The Checkers next home game is Thursday, December 28 against the South Carolina Stingrays at 7:00 p.m. at Charlotte Bobcats Arena. For ticket information call the Checkers at 704-342-4-ICE or purchase and print your tickets at www.gocheckers.com (http://www.gocheckers.com).

BOX SCORE (http://echl.leaguestat.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1217)

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CHARLOTTE OBSERVER (http://www.charlotte.com/mld/charlotte/sports/hockey/echl/charlotte_checkers/16296011.htm)

CHARLOTTE WON'T LEAVE ON A HOLIDAY HIGH NOTE

Coach Wilkinson says preparation will change

TIM DONELLI - Special Correspondent

CHARLOTTE, NC - The Charlotte Checkers must have been thinking about getting away for Christmas a little early.

In a listless effort Thursday in their final ECHL game before the break, the Checkers were shut out 3-0 by the Reading Royals at Charlotte Bobcats Arena.

Charlotte mustered 18 shots, which included eight power plays. The loss was the Checkers' second straight, and they have one goal during the skid.

Reading (13-10-4) got goals from Jeff Zappala, Malcolm MacMillan and Doug Christiansen, and an 18-save effort from Jeff Pietrasiak. Charlotte's Alex Westlund had his four-game win streak stopped, despite 25 saves.

Charlotte coach Derek Wilkinson was frustrated.

"We weren't mentally in the game from beginning to end," said Wilkinson. "We didn't come out ready to play tonight from the first shift, everybody. It was an embarrassment.

"Our top line didn't do anything, and it seemed like the whole team went on an early vacation."

Despite eight power-play opportunities, Charlotte (15-11-1) had few quality scoring chances. Reading, already leading 2-0, added an insurance goal during the final period, as Christiansen and a Checkers player collided with Westlund in front of the Charlotte goal. Referee Jonathan Peterson ruled the puck went in the net.

"We'll come back on Dec. 27 and change our preparation considerably after this one tonight," Wilkinson said.

Charlotte will return to action Dec. 28 at 7 p.m. to host the South Carolina Stingrays at Charlotte Bobcats Arena.

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READING ROYALS PRESS RELEASE (http://www.royalshockey.com/news/news.asp?story_id=155)

ROYALS BLANK CHARLOTTE IN FIRST TRIP TO BOBCATS ARENA, 3-0

Reading Goaltender Jeff Pietrasiak Picks Up First Pro Shutout

CHARLOTTE, NC - The Reading Royals (13 – 10 – 4 = 30; 1st North Division) won in the team’s first game in history at Charlotte Bobcats Arena, defeating the Charlotte Checkers, 3-0. Joe Zappala scored 1:10 into the game to give goaltender Jeff Pietrasiak (6 – 3 – 0; 18/18) all he would need, as Pietrasiak made all eighteen stops he was called upon to make in registering his first pro shutout.

Reading got off to the team’s quickest start all season when Dany Roussin slipped a pass through a Charlotte defender sending Zappala deep into the slot, where he forced off a snap shot through another defender and into the upper right corner of the net, beating Checker goaltender Alex Westlund (6 – 3 – 0; 24/27) high to his stick side 1:10 into the game. For Zappala that was his ninth goal of the season—and it proved to be his third game winner. Reading picked up a bit of insurance at the 8:37 mark of the first when Malcolm MacMillan took control of a loose puck high in the right circle and fired a laser high stick side for his fourth goal of the season. Through the remainder of the game, the Royals played a smart and solid road game, preventing the Checkers from any substantial scoring opportunities. In the third, Reading took a 3-0 lead when Doug Christiansen, playing in a defensive slot, took control of the puck deep in the defensive zone and went coast-to-coast, getting upended as he made a power move towards the net and taking Westlund and the puck across the goal line for his sixth of the season with 7:34 remaining in regulation. The Royals shut the door down the stretch to lock up the shutout for Pietrasiak, who ran his record to 6 – 1 – 0 in the seven consecutive games he’s played for Reading.

The Royals’ five game road trip continues on Friday night when the team makes their first trip in history to Columbia, South Carolina, to take on the Columbia Inferno at the Carolina Coliseum (7:05 pm). Royals’ game night broadcasts can be heard live on ESPN Radio 1240 am (and on the internet through the Royals’ website, www.royalshockey.com (http://www.royalshockey.com)), beginning thirty minutes before the opening face-off. Streaming video is also available for $6.00 per game through the B2 Networks, which can be accessed through the Royals’ website.