CHARLOTTE, NC– A depleted Charlotte squad dug deep in their rematch with Springfield, erasing a two-goal deficit and downing the Thunderbirds thanks to a late game-winner from Wilmer Skoog.
The Checkers found themselves in a hole as Wednesday’s contest approached the second intermission, as the Thunderbirds struck twice in 34 seconds to leap ahead 3-1. The home side found a glimmer of hope in the final minute of the frame, though, as Rasmus Asplund redirected a shot in front to narrow the lead heading into the third.
Ben Steeves kept things rolling early in the third by finishing off a slick passing play and drawing the Checkers back even. Neither side could get the upper hand for an extended stretch from there, but a four-minute power play late in regulation gave the home team an opportunity and Skoog took advantage – hammering a one-timer from the right circle with under a minute to play to put Charlotte on top.
The Thunderbirds would scramble for one last chance to find the equalizer, but Chris Driedger came up big and the clock ticked to zero on Charlotte’s clutch victory.
