The home side got off to a hot start thanks to Brett Chorske cleaning up a rebound just 67 seconds in and Tobias Bjornfot threading a point shot through to double the Charlotte lead before the game hit the seven-minute mark.
The Hartford power play would propel the visitors back into the contest, however, converting midway through the first and again early in the second to deadlock the score.
The Checkers put an end to Hartford’s hot run from there, though. Jack Devine launched a shot past the Wolf Pack netminder to reclaim his team’s lead minutes later in the second, and then Angus Crookshank put the final nail in the visitors’ coffin with a power-play conversion of his own midway through the third. Any hopes of another Hartford rally were squashed down the stretch by Cooper Black, who ended the night with 33 saves and a victory.
Devine keeps it in the zone then buries it! https://t.co/ke6yXX42Fl
— Charlotte Checkers (@CheckersHockey) October 17, 2026
QUOTES
Coach Geordie Kinnear on Brett Chorske opening the scoring in his first game back from injuryYou can tell how hard he worked in the summer. If you look at a kid like that, he came in during our cup run and had a real short summer, then he came in and for a first year, we treated him like a 10-year vet at times. Now he’s been able to have a really good summer and educated himself on what pro hockey loos like. You can tell he’s ready for the opportunity.
Kinnear on Angus Crookshank getting his first goal
He made a good play early on showing some vision too. I just liked that he stuck with it. It’s a new organization and a different way to play. He’s fit in really, really well. Obviously a goal scorer wants to score, but it’s the stuff that he’s doing not just with the puck, but without it and playing physical and really embracing how we play here.
Kinnear on Tobias Bjornfot’s game
Toby is honestly a true leader here. He’s been here one of the longest with me, and obviously a big cog in the group that made noise and fell short during our Calder Cup run. This was maybe the best game I’ve seen Toby play.
Kinnear on trying Bruce Boudreau for 14th all time in AHL coaching wins
Obviously Bruce was in the American Hockey League for a long period of time and then ended up getting a chance in Washington. Anytime you hear those names it’s surreal a little bit, but to be honest I just come to work, try to get everyone better and win that next game. I appreciate you keeping me up to date on all this.
Angus Crookshank on his goal
It was a great feeling. Obviously I’m biased, but I think it’s the best feeling in the world. I’ve been happy with my game through the first little bit, it’s just a matter of I’m getting the chances and it’s going to pop eventually. Kudos to (Bastian) and (Cole Schwindt) there, making great plays and allowing me to whack it home.
Crookshank on his line with Bastian and Cole Schwindt
Both nights this weekend was a lot of fun to play. It felt like we played off each other well. We were talking about in the room, just sticking with it because the looks were there and it’s going to pop for us.
Crookshank on his first two home games as a Checker
Both nights this weekend were amazing crowds. It exceeded my expectations for sure. I’m excited to play here some more.
Crookshank on Cooper Black’s game
You’re not worried. You’ve got Coop tonight and even Kirill (Gerasimyuk) last night. Both guys played unbelievable for us this weekend. For us to have two guys back there that we can rely on helps us breathe a little bit and play a little more free.
