ECHL's Checkers Sign Hartwick
_Photos/Dartmouth/Mike_Hartwick07.gif?max_width=360)
CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The Charlotte Checkers of the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) continue to bolster their lineup, announcing today that former Big Green defenseman Mike Hartwick has agreed to terms with the team.
Hartwick, 6-foot-3, 216 pounds, hails from Bedford, N. H. and is a product of Dartmouth College where he totaled 171 penalty minutes in 122 games. While at Dartmouth, Hartwick teamed with Checkers alumni Hugh Jessiman and Mike Ouellette. Hartwick started his professional career last season when he played seven games for the Wheeling Nailers. Checkers general manager and head coach Derek Wilkinson says that Hartwick is a force on the blue-line, "He is a physical stay-at-home defenseman who provides a tough presence on the ice."
Hartwick is slated to attend training camp with the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League.
The Checkers enter their 15th season of play as a member of the ECHL in October 2007. In the team's 14-year history, the Checkers have made the playoffs 10 times including three consecutive playoff appearances to date. The Checkers will enter their third season of play at St. Lawrence Homes Home Ice at Charlotte Bobcats Arena this fall.
