Up\u00a0front, Ben Steeves led the Checkers in goals (23),\u00a0points (45), power-play goals (9)\u00a0and penalty minutes (100).\u00a0<\/p>\n
In his first full pro season,\u00a0Panthers\u00a02022\u00a0seventh-round pick (221st overall)\u00a0Jack Devine\u00a0ranked second in goals (18),\u00a0points\u00a0(43),\u00a0and power play goals (4)\u00a0and\u00a0first in assists (25).\u00a0<\/p>\n
On the blue line, Mike Benning\u00a0led\u00a0all Charlotte defensemen in goals (8),\u00a0assists\u00a0(23)\u00a0and points (31).\u00a0<\/p>\n
Benning\u2019s\u00a023 assists also ranked second\u00a0among\u00a0all skaters on the team.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Playing the final 18 regular season\u00a0games with the Panthers, Benning recorded\u00a0six points (2G, 4A) and\u00a0averaged 16:54\u00a0time\u00a0on ice\u00a0per tilt\u00a0during his first taste of action in the NHL.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery game is a new learning experience for me,\u201d Benning\u00a0said of his extended call-up. \u201cWhether\u00a0it’s\u00a0from the coaches or even the vets on the team,\u00a0everyone’s\u00a0talking to you. Even if you just watch them and take a piece out of every game, you learn something new.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Between the pipes,\u00a0Cooper Black\u00a0has backstopped\u00a0the Checkers all season.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Owning a 25-13-4 record,\u00a0the 6-foot-8 goaltender\u00a0posted a .903 save percentage and 2.47 goals against average.\u00a0<\/p>\n
His 25 wins ranked fourth amongst goalies in the AHL and\u00a0tied for fourth most in franchise history.\u00a0<\/p>\n