CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Charlotte Checkers have acquired forward Matt Stefanishion from the Alaska Aces, general manager and head coach Derek Wilkinson announced today. The deal completes the future considerations from the trade in early January that sent goaltender Frank Doyle to Alaska.
Stefanishion has 14 goals, six assists and 101 penalty minutes in 30 games this season for Alaska, including eight goals and three assists in his last 13 games. He helped the Aces reach game seven of last season’s Kelly Cup Finals with six goals and three assists in 16 playoff games.
The 26-year-old native of Daysland, Alberta has also skated for Fresno, Reading and South Carolina over four seasons. In 191 career ECHL games, he has 66 goals, 62 assists and 570 penalty minutes. Stefanishion has also appeared in 19 career American Hockey League games with the Hartford Wolf Pack, Hershey Bears and Peoria Rivermen.
Prior to joining the pro ranks, the 6-foot-3, 225-pound power forward played two seasons at Ferris State University where he scored 21 goals, 13 assists and added 125 penalty minutes in 57 games. Upon graduation, he signed a two-year entry level contract with the Washington Capitals.
It is expected Stefanishion will join the Checkers for Sunday’s home game against Toledo.
Charlotte (24-15-5) will host two important games with potential playoff implications on Thursday, Feb. 4 and Friday, Feb 5 against the Florida Everblades. Ticket information can be obtained by calling 704-342-4-ICE or visiting www.gocheckers.com.
