The Checkers, after eight straight wins in the Eastern Conference playoffs, ended their season with a 3-2 defeat to the Abbotsford Canucks, who became the first Vancouver-affiliated team to win the Calder Cup.

Charlotte took a 2-0 lead in Game 6 of the Calder Cup finals before Abbotsford scored three goals to win the game, and series, Monday night at Bojangles Coliseum.

John Leonard got the board early for the Checkers, scoring his team-leading eighth goal of the playoffs as they pursued their second Calder Cup in six seasons.