The Charlotte Checkers delivered a commanding performance against the Hershey Bears on May 21, 2025, at the Giant Center, securing a 6-3 victory and completing a series sweep to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. The game was a pivotal playoff contest that ultimately sealed the fate of the defending champions, as the Checkers not only halted the Bears’ bid for another Calder Cup but did so in a commanding fashion.
First Period: Hershey’s Strong Start
The Bears opened the scoring late in the first period, with Bogdan Trineyev finding the net just 58 seconds before intermission. His goal, assisted by Ivan Miroshnichenko and Jake Massie, gave Hershey an early edge.
Hershey maintained control through aggressive forechecking and disciplined defensive play, limiting Charlotte’s offensive opportunities.
The period ended with Hershey leading 1-0, setting the stage for what seemed like a promising night for the defending champions.
Second Period: Charlotte’s Explosive Comeback
Hershey extended their lead early in the second period when Mike Vecchione scored at 2:05, assisted by Garrett Roe and Chase Priskie, making it 2-0.
Charlotte responded with three unanswered goals, completely flipping the momentum:
Brett Chorske ignited the comeback at 3:50, scoring his first playoff goal with assists from Will Lockwood and Jesse Puljujärvi.
Michael Benning followed up less than three minutes later, netting his third playoff goal off assists from Tobias Bjornfot and Justin Sourdif, tying the game at 2-2.
John Leonard then gave Charlotte their first lead at 11:14, scoring his third postseason goal with assists from Dennis Cesana and Rasmus Asplund.
The Checkers dominated the shot count, outshooting Hershey 20-2 in the second period, showcasing their offensive control.
Third Period: Sealing the Victory
Charlotte continued their offensive surge in the final frame:
Will Lockwood struck early at 2:27, assisted by Puljujärvi and Chorske, extending the lead to 4-2.
Kyle Criscuolo added another goal at 4:53, unassisted, pushing the score to 5-2.
Hershey attempted a late push, with Miroshnichenko scoring at 5:54, assisted by Trineyev, cutting the deficit to 5-3.
Charlotte maintained control, and Rasmus Asplund sealed the win with an empty-net goal in the final minutes.
Key Takeaways
Momentum Shift: Hershey’s early lead was erased by Charlotte’s relentless second-period attack.
Offensive Efficiency: The Checkers capitalized on their chances, converting possessions into goals with precision.
Defensive Stability: Charlotte’s defense tightened after the first period, limiting Hershey’s scoring opportunities.
Goaltending Impact: Kaapo Kahkonen stood tall for Charlotte, finishing with 23 saves, while Hershey’s netminder struggled against the Checkers’ high shot volume.
Charlotte’s 6-3 victory not only ended Hershey’s bid for a third consecutive Calder Cup but also solidified their place in the Eastern Conference Finals. Their ability to overcome adversity, execute tactical adjustments, and maintain offensive pressure was the defining factor in this decisive win.
Charlotte Checkers Standout Performers
Brett Chorske – Scored a crucial second-period goal that ignited Charlotte’s comeback and added an assist. His offensive awareness helped shift momentum.
Michael Benning – Delivered a goal and contributed defensively with smart positioning and puck control. His ability to capitalize on special teams was key.
John Leonard – Netted the game-winning goal and assisted on another, showcasing excellent puck handling and offensive instincts.
Will Lockwood – Opened the third-period scoring with a breakaway goal, using his speed to break through Hershey’s defense. Also recorded an assist.
Kyle Criscuolo – Sealed the game with a decisive third-period goal, ensuring Charlotte maintained control.
Rasmus Asplund – Added an empty-net goal and an assist, reinforcing his strong two-way play.
Jesse Puljujärvi – Played a key playmaking role, setting up multiple scoring chances with two assists.
Kaapo Kähkönen (Goalie) – Made 23 saves with a .885 save percentage, stepping up in critical moments to maintain Charlotte’s lead.
Hershey Bears Key Contributors
Bogdan Trineyev – Opened the scoring late in the first period and later assisted on Hershey’s third-period goal.
Ivan Miroshnichenko – Scored Hershey’s final goal and contributed an assist earlier in the game, maintaining offensive pressure.
Mike Vecchione – Found the net early in the second period, briefly extending Hershey’s lead before Charlotte’s comeback.
Garrett Roe – Assisted Vecchione’s goal, showing solid puck movement and offensive awareness.
Chase Priskie – Provided an assist while anchoring Hershey’s defensive efforts.
Hunter Shepard (Goalie) – Faced a high shot volume, finishing with 32 saves and a .865 save percentage, struggling against Charlotte’s second-period surge.
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