The opening frame featured plenty of fireworks, starting with an impressive tip from Jack Studnicka less than five minutes in. That Charlotte lead was short-lived, though, as the Wolf Pack rattled off three straight tallies over a span of seven minutes to build up a two-goal advantage heading into the first intermission.
A rough-and-tumble second period was marked by 22 total penalty minutes, and the Checkers were the lone side to take advantage. Early on in the frame Noah Gregor batted in a shot that careened off the end boards and over the Hartford net for a power-play tally that pulled the home team within one, but that would be the extent of Charlotte’s rally.
The Checkers poured it on in the third - doubling up the Wolf Pack in shots 12-6 - but couldn’t solve netminder Dylan Garand for the equalizer, and time ran down to seal the loss for Charlotte.
The hand eye! pic.twitter.com/LxVbDkyef4
— Charlotte Checkers (@CheckersHockey) February 14, 2026
QUOTES
Coach Geordie Kinnear on the first periodIt was a track meet in the first period, for sure. Not sure how many two-on-ones and breakaways we gave up, and you can’t win that way. Of course they’re going to score goals when they’re that skilled and you play a track meet type game. I think we scored on the first shot, but they were the better team to start the game.
Kinnear on forwards Jack Studnicka and Noah Gregor
They’re a positive impact. They’re playing more minutes than and a different role than they were in the National Hockey League, so they’re getting acclimated to the pace. More minutes is always a little bit tougher, and the quality time on ice is a little bit tougher too. Love the competitive spirit from Studs tonight, and obviously Gregs has got elite speed. They’re continuing to build their game and get acclimated to our group.
Kinnear on MacKenzie Entwistle’s fight in the second period
It's great leadership. To be honest, we’re in the time of year where you can’t wait for someone to do that and get the group going. I thought we had some competitive people, we just didn’t have enough early on. I’m not a big believer that you have to wait for someone to do that to get into the game. You’ve been off for a week and you’re in a competitive environment against a skilled hockey team that is playing for a lot. I didn’t really love our start to be honest with you. Good lesson and move on.
Kinnear on coming back from the All-Star break
Our first practice was really good, and our second one was kind of a reflection of tonight, to be honest with you. We have a lot of work to do, because when you don’t win the week you make it tougher on yourself. We’ve got to dig in and play a lot better individually and collectively. That includes the coaching staff in our room too. It wasn’t good enough.
