Nastasiuk, Sheppard recalled by AHL’s Charlotte Checkers

GREENVILLE, S.C. — The Florida Everblades announced Friday that the American Hockey League’s Charlotte Checkers have recalled forward Zach Nastasiuk and defenseman Derek Sheppard.

This is Nastasiuk’s second call-up to the Checkers this season, while Sheppard is being recalled to the AHL for this first time in his career. 

Nastasiuk, 23, has tabbed 17 points (9g-8a) in 28 games in his first season with the ‘Blades. He appeared in 64 games over the last five seasons with the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins and has 14 career AHL points (4g-10a) in those 64 games. The Barrie, Ontario, native saw his most recent AHL action last season, suiting up in 20 games for Grand Rapids and posting five points on a goal and four assists.

Prior to turning professional, Nastasiuk played four seasons in the Ontario Hockey League with the Owen Sound Attack from 2011-15. A second-round pick of the Detroit Red Wings in the 2013 NHL Draft, Nastasiuk recorded 187 career points (89g-98a) in the OHL.

In his first full season with the Everblades, Sheppard, 24, leads the team’s defensemen in scoring with 18 points (9g, 9a) in 30 games. He has recorded four multi-point games this season, including his first career multi-goal game in this past Saturday’s 6-5 overtime win over Orlando.

Sheppard, an Ajax, Ontario, native, posted seven points (4g, 3a) in 10 games with the ‘Blades last season. Prior to turning professional, he played 111 career games over four seasons with York University. Sheppard notched 33 goals and 100 points in his college career with the Lions.

The Everblades continue a three-in-three weekend with a 7 p.m. matchup against the Greenville Swamp Rabbits on Friday night at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. 

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About the Florida EverbladesSince their inception in 1998, the Florida Everblades have established a reputation as one of the premier organizations in the ECHL. The ‘Blades have been a consistent force on the ice, advancing to the playoffs in 19 of their 20 seasons. Florida also has quite an impressive trophy case, claiming the Brabham Cup three times for the best regular season record in the ECHL, winning four conference titles and six division titles, and capturing the 2012 Kelly Cup. Through 20 seasons, 33 Blades players have advanced to the NHL. In addition to building a winning tradition, the Everblades have also built a big following throughout Southwest Florida and have finished in the top five in the ECHL in attendance in 14 of their 20 seasons, including 10 seasons of leading the league in attendance. For more information about the Florida Everblades visit www.floridaeverblades.com.

The Everblades are the proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes