Inside Look | Go behind the scenes with the Charlotte Checkers in their home opening win

By Jeff Siner

Updated October 21, 2024 5:35 PM

Charlotte Checkers fan Riley Wilson, left, watches as members of the team skate past during a warmup prior to action against the Cleveland Monsters at Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte, NC on Friday, October 18, 2024. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com

It would be hard to script a better opening week of the season for the Charlotte Checkers than that which they’ve enjoyed to date.

Three games, three wins, the latest a 5-2 romp over the Cleveland Monsters on Friday in their home opener at Bojangles Coliseum.

Aidan McDonough paced the Checkers’ offense with a pair of power play goals, Kyle Criscuolo added four assists and Ryan McAllister had three helpers.

Charlotte Checkers Aidan McDonough, right, slaps hands with his teammates after scoring his second goal of the night against the Cleveland Monsters at Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte, NC on Friday, October 18, 2024. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com

The Checkers gave the 8,018 fans officially in attendance Friday night something to cheer about early. Just 1:59 into the game, Will Lockwood popped a shot past Cleveland keeper Zach Sawchenko to put the home team on top 1-0.

After Joseph LaBate equaled for the Monsters at 8:57, McDonough popped in his pair on back-to-back power plays for Charlotte to put the Checkers in front, 3-1. Criscuolo and McAllister had helpers on both McDonough goals.

Oliver Okuliar extended the Checkers’ lead to 4-1 early in the second, and Sandis Vilmanis made it 5-1 with a strike at 14:31. The Monsters’ James Malatesta finished the scoring with a goal at 8:29 of the third period.

The Checkers are back on home ice again Saturday, and will again issue a free ticket to their Oct. 26 home game to fans who bring supplies to help relief efforts in Western North Carolina.