WOLF PACK DROP 2-1 HEARTBREAKER TO CHECKERS
Oct 16, 2026
CHARLOTTE, NC – The Hartford Wolf Pack dropped their fourth straight game on Friday night, 2-1 to the Charlotte Checkers at Bojangles Coliseum.
For the second game in a row, the Wolf Pack would play to a 0-0 tie through 20 minutes of play. Callum Tung was perfect in the Wolf Pack net, making 17 saves. Kirill Gerasimyuk was equal to the task in the Charlotte end, making eleven stops in the opening frame.
The Checkers drew first blood 1:38 into the second period. Donovan Sebrango took a shot from the right-wing circle that beat Tung for his first goal as a member of the Checkers. Gracyn Sawchyn and Nathan Bastian picked up the assists on the goal.
Bryce McConnell-Barker drew the Wolf Pack even at 8:50, ripping home his first goal of the season. McConnell-Barker led a two-on-one rush into the offensive zone as the Wolf Pack worked left-to-right. From the right-wing side, McConnell-Barker outwaited a defenseman, worked into the slot, and snapped a shot by Gerasimyuk to make it 1-1.
Unfortunately for the Wolf Pack, the third period proved to be costly for the second straight outing.
At 15:10 of the final frame, Cole Reinhardt was whistled for goaltender interference. The Wolf Pack powerplay surrendered their second shorthanded goal of the season, giving the Checkers the lead for good.
A costly turnover in the offensive zone by the Wolf Pack sprung a two-on-one for the Checkers. John Beecher entered in the on the left-wing side, then dished off to Hunter St. Martin on the right wing. St. Martin beat Tung at 16:14, making it 2-1.
Despite a late push by the Wolf Pack, Hartford was unable to find a second goal.
The loss was the club’s first on the road this season (3-1-0-0).
The Wolf Pack conclude their back-to-back set with the Checkers tomorrow, Saturday, Oct. 17, at 6:00 p.m. Coverage is available on AHLTV on FloHockey.
The Pack is back at PeoplesBank Arena Friday, Oct. 23! The puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m. as the Wolf Pack welcome the Providence Bruins to town. ‘Wolf Pack Pregame’ begins at 6:45 p.m. on AHLTV of FloHockey and Mixlr.
Tickets are available at www.hartfordwolfpack.com.
Join the Wolf Pack for the 2026-27 season by becoming a member today! For more information, click here.
# # #
ABOUT THE HARTFORD WOLF PACK: The Hartford Wolf Pack has been a premier franchise in the American Hockey League since the team’s inception in 1997. The Wolf Pack are the top player-development affiliate of the NHL's New York Rangers and play at PeoplesBank Arena. The Wolf Pack has been home to numerous current New York Rangers including Igor Shesterkin, Will Cuylle, and Gabe Perreault. Follow the Wolf Pack on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.