The Cleveland Monsters suffered a 5-2 defeat against the Charlotte Checkers at Bojangles Coliseum, marking their third game of the season with a record of 1-2-0-0, placing them fifth in the AHL's North Division.

Will Lockwood opened the scoring for Charlotte, but Joseph LaBate quickly equalized. Aidan McDonough's two power-play goals helped the Checkers build a strong lead. Despite a late goal from James Malatesta, the Monsters could not overcome the deficit.

Former Ottawa Senators player Austin Watson has been assigned to the Grand Rapids Griffins in the AHL by the Detroit Red Wings, marking his return to the league after five years. Watson signed a one-year, two-way deal and previously played part-time with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Watson, drafted by the Nashville Predators in 2010, has faced personal challenges and was honored for his sobriety last year. He has played 515 NHL games, scoring 60 goals and 58 assists.