During the season, Checkers broadcaster Jason Shaya checks in each week with his 10 Thoughts - a series of observations about the team and the hockey world in general.
1. During the opening game on Friday, it was pretty clear to me that of the six goals Texas scored, three of them shouldn't have counted. Two pucks were kicked in and one was batted in with a high stick and all of them were signaled as good goals. I am not sure if would have made a difference in the eventual outcome but the fact that it happened three times in a single game is disappointing.
2. If there's a player who hasn't yet played in the NHL but will certainly make his way there sooner than later it is Valentin Zykov. After watching him this past weekend it is clear that he has all the tools necessary to be an NHLer. He is a player that Checkers and Hurricanes fans should be pretty excited to see every night.
3. Kyle Hagel told the Checkers season ticket holders on Sunday afternoon that despite losing both games this weekend, this Checkers team will be competitive each night. With the exception of about 90 seconds on Friday, they played very well. Charlotte absolutely dominated on Saturday but ran into a brick wall named Maxime Legace in net for Texas. The Stars were hanging on for their lives on every shift.
4. I can't remember seeing Derek Ryan have a bad game in his time with Charlotte. This past weekend, the team captain looked like he hadn't missed a beat from last season. He really wants an opportunity to play in the NHL again and based on his performance last year and the first two games of this season, he will likely be the next man on deck.
5. The Detroit Red Wings are banking on Dylan Larkin forgoing a sophomore slump and continuing to build on his terrific rookie season. However, so far this year, he has one assist in three games and is a team worst -5. He was scratched as much as he played for Team North America in the World Cup and I am beginning to wonder if he hasn't worn himself out already. He has played way more hockey in the past year than he ever has in his life. I think Detroit might be better suited moving him to the wing once again.
6. Marian Hossa scored his 500th goal yesterday. He is one of the most underrated players in the history of the NHL. The Hawks don't win three cups without him, and the Penguins and Wings don't go to the Finals without him either.
7. Iowa games coming up on Friday and Saturday night. 7:45 EST pre-game show on both nights and an 8:00 EST puck drop as the Checkers battle a team that is 1-2 on the season as of the time this column was published. I am going to say Charlotte gets win number 1 on the season this week. Listen to the games live. I hear the radio broadcaster's voice is worth the price of admission.
8. Opening night is Friday, Oct. 28, and we need you in the building to cheer on the team as they take on Red Wings' affiliate, Grand Rapids. When that building is packed, there isn't a louder arena in the Western Conference.
9. We only got to see Andrew Poturalski for a few games last season but I noticed a much more confident player last weekend against Texas. The team believes he is ready to be a scorer in the AHL. He clearly made serious strides in the summer to improve his readiness for pro hockey.
10. Chris Terry, the great former Charlotte Checkers' winger, is currently playing in the AHL again; this time with St. John's. He has three goals in three games so far. If he plays all year in the AHL, which I am not sure will happen, He could easily score 50 goals this year.
