ROCHESTER, NY --- The Rochester Americans defeated the Charlotte Checker at Blue Cross Arena, 5-1. Aaron Dell led the way with 35 saves holding the Checkers out of the net for the first two periods. Brandon Biro led the team in points with a goal and an assist.
The first period was a hot one for the Amerks. They came right out of the gate with a fast break just over four minutes into the period. Linus Weissbach broke towards goal and dished it off at the last second to Brandon Biro who took an open shot on goal to put the Amerks on the board first. Not long after, Brett Murray scored a dirty goal inside the blue paint from a shot deflection by Michael Mersch. The third and final goal of the period came in the eleventh minute of the game, Brett Murray put the puck into the paint and Arttu Ruotsalainen scooped the puck across the goalie and into the goal.
The second period was quite uneventful until the last minute of play. With less than a minute remaining JJ Peterka broke free through the checkers defense and won the one-on-one with the goalie by putting the puck right around him into the right corner of the net.
In the third period the Amerks were still playing hard and it paid off as Brendan Warren found the net from a puck on a silver platter by Ryan Scarfo. In the thirteenth minute The Checkers got one back on a power play goal and that was the end of it. Of course, throughout the game Aaron Dell and great defensive play was what truly led to their victory over The Checkers.
The Americans are set to host the Checkers this Friday Feb. 4th at Blue Cross Arena. Puck drop is at 7:05pm.