The Checkers have recalled defenseman Austin Levi from the Stockton Thunder of the ECHL.
Levi, 22, began 2014-15, his second professional season, with the Florida Everblades, but only appeared in three games before being assigned to the Stockton Thunder, also of the ECHL. Since joining the Thunder, Levi has eight points (3g, 5a) in 23 games.
The 6-foot-4, 210-pound blueliner spent the majority of his rookie campaign with the Florida Everblades, playing 53 games and ranking fifth among team defensemen in points with 15. Levi also made his AHL debut on Dec. 15, 2013 and played 10 games with the Checkers, recording one goal.
A third-round draft pick of Carolina in 2010, Levi spent five seasons in the OHL with the Plymouth Whalers, where he totaled 86 points (16 g, 70 a) in 268 career games. He also was named Plymouth's Most Improved Player in 2010.
Following yesterday's release of Mike Little and NHL recall of Ryan Murphy, the Checkers were heading into tonight's matchup in Oklahoma City with just five available defensemen, predicating the addition of Levi. After tonight's tilt, the team will return to Charlotte for a two-game series against Texas to begin the new year.
