With the Canes back in action tonight, they have recalled netminder Michael Leighton from Charlotte.

Leighton, who has been filling in for an injured Eddie Lack in Carolina for the last three weeks, joined the Checkers yesterday to make an appearance in goal. Given that the Hurricanes had the day off and both squads were in California, the move allowed the veteran to see some game action after spending most of his time up top as a backup as well as giving the Checkers’ current goalie tandem a bit of a break. Now, with Carolina slated to take on San Jose tonight, Leighton is returning to the NHL level.

In last night’s contest against Bakersfield, Leighton made 23 stops and helped the Checkers earn a point in the standings, including denying a Condors penalty shot with 21 seconds left in regulation to send the game to overtime.

With Leighton returning to California, the Checkers will wrap up their California road trip tonight in Ontario with the duo of Alex Nedeljkovic and Daniel Altshuller between the pipes.