SPOTLIGHT: STATE OF THE LEAGUE

BY: Bruce Berlet

The biggest news out of AHL president and CEO Dave Andrews’ State of the League Address during the All-Star Classic is video review of disputed goals is one step from becoming a reality.

Andrews said the AHL board of governors will vote on whether to adopt replay at its meeting in Chicago in May.

“It’s pretty hard to logically argue we shouldn’t have a system that gets it right more often than not or helps us get it right in those circumstances,” Andrews told the media in Atlantic City, N.J.

HEY NOW YOU’RE AN ALL-STAR

ROSTERS ANNOUNCED FOR 2012 AHL ALL-STAR CLASSIC

BY: Jason Chaimovitch, AHL VP of Communications

The American Hockey League announced today the Eastern and Western Conference All-Star rosters for the 2012 AHL All-Star Classic, to take place Jan. 29-30 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J.

JUST ONE OF THOSE DAYS…

      VERSUS    

Rosanne Rosannadanna was a character created by Gilda Radner on Saturday Night Live back in the 1970’s.  Rosanne used to do “Weekend Update” with Chevy Chase and would always end here reports with the phrase, “Well, if it’s not-one-thing-it’s-another. If it’s not (Fill in the blank) then it’s (something really silly).” That sentiment so perfectly summarizes the Connecticut Whale’s 5-3 loss to the Hershey Bears in front of 3,027 Friday night at the XL Center.

Kris Newbury was at his locker when a loose cinder block somewhere in the ceiling became loose and fell coming through the dropped ceiling and hitting his shin guards and the name plate, changing direction and not hitting the Whale’s top centerman.

SPOTLIGHT: BORQUES

BY: Bruce Berlet

Ray Bourque, one of the greatest defensemen in hockey history, speaks as confidently as ever at age 50 while continuing to carry plenty of clout, especially when it comes to discussing his sons.

Chris Bourque, 25, a three-time Calder Cup winner with the Hershey Bears, is off to his best start as a pro, which comes as little surprise to his Hall of Fame father.

CHECKERS WIN – TO FACE PENGUINS

VERSUS

OVERTIME GOAL BY BLANCHARD WINS GAME, SERIES FOR CHECKERS
Charlotte to face Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in East Division Finals

HERSHEY, PA. – Nicolas Blanchard scored 1:30 into overtime as the Charlotte Checkers defeated the two-time defending champion Hershey Bears, 2-1, and clinched the East Division Semifinal series, 4-2.

HERSHEY OOZES BY THE CHECKERS

VERSUS  

CHECKERS UNABLE TO COMPLETE COMEBACK, FALL 3-2
Murphy makes first start since Mar. 20; Hershey takes 2-1 series lead

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Charlotte Checkers clawed back from an early three-goal deficit, but couldn’t complete the comeback and fell, 3-2, to the Hershey Bears on Tuesday evening.

CHECKERS BITE CHOCOLATE IN GAME ONE

  VERSUS  

3RD-PERIOD COMEBACK LEADS CHECKERS TO GAME 1 WIN
Bowman gets game winner in return from Hurricanes

HERSHEY, PA. – The Charlotte Checkers erased a one-goal third-period deficit with goals by Zach Boychuk and Drayson Bowman and held on to beat the defending champion Hershey Bears, 5-4, at Giant Center in Game 1.

With the win, the Checkers steal Hershey’s home-ice advantage and lead in the best-of-seven East Division Semifinal series, 1-0. Bowman’s winning tally came in his first game back from a month-long stint with the Carolina Hurricanes.

CHECKERS DOUBLED UP BY BEARS

VERSUS    

CHECKERS ROAD WIN STREAK SNAPPED IN 6-3 LOSS TO BEARS
Charlotte handed first regulation loss away from home since Oct. 24

HERSHEY, Pa. – The Charlotte Checkers gave up a pair of late first period goals and could not recover as they were doubled up, 6-3, by the Hershey Bears on Sunday afternoon.

It was the first regulation loss on the road for the Checkers since Oct. 24, snapping a 7-0-1 streak away from Charlotte.