1) If the Checkers had clinched a playoff spot, both Rasmus Rissanen and Derek Ryan would've been ready for Game 1 against Ontario this Friday at home.
2) Losing Derek Ryan to injury while he was playing for Carolina was one of the turning points down the stretch. Ryan was the hottest scorer in the AHL at the time, and without him in the Checkers lineup, no one could fill the void as first line center. If you had to pinpoint a single reason the Checkers couldn't win their final five games of the season, Ryan's injury is it.
3) If I had my way, Mike Cornell would get an AHL one-way contract next year to play for Charlotte. He's earned it over the past two seasons and should be rewarded this summer. You won't find anyone in the Checkers room who is more respected for his play on the ice.
4) In my opinion, Daniel Altshuller was the biggest reason the Checkers turned around a fledgling season to compete for the top spot in the division during December and January. At that point, the team seemed poised to make long run. Despite the goalie carousel and call-ups, Daniel should've remained the number one netminder for the team.
6) Senior Vice President of Hockey Operations for the Checkers, Derek Wilkinson, was a huge boost to the Checkers bench this season. I continue to say this without equivocation: Derek is one of the smartest hockey people I've ever met. His loyalty to the Checkers and his hockey acumen are unmatched.
7) Now that the Checkers season is over, I'm hoping that former Checkers coach Troy Mann can return the Calder Cup to the Hershey, or that my friend and former Checkers captain Brett Sutter wins it with Ontario.
8) I just completed my ninth season with the Charlotte Checkers. I've called something like 700 games for the organization during that time. Thank you to every single fan of the team that listens to the broadcast, sends tweets and sends emails during games. Also, thanks to Michael Kahn giving me the platform to do so.
9) From moment the Checkers announced the move to Bojangles’ until the first game of the season, the front office staff worked tirelessly to make sure it went off without a single issue. They did a phenomenal job all summer and throughout the year.
10) Prediction: The Checkers will make the playoffs next season. I do wonder who the Hurricanes will sign as their organization's third string goalie. That person will presumably be the veteran starter in Charlotte. I guess we will all find out in a few months.
Until next season, goodbye and God Love you. It's been a pleasure.
