AHL's Checkers release DiPietro from tryout contract

The Charlotte Checkers announced Tuesday they have released veteran goaltender Rick DiPietro from his professional tryout contract.

DiPietro, who joined the Carolina Hurricanes' American Hockey League affiliate on Oct. 26, was 0-4-0 with a 5.18 goals-against average and .846 save percentage in five appearances.

DiPietro is believed to have personally requested his release from the team, according to coach Jeff Daniels.

"He called [Hurricanes general manager] Jim Rutherford last night and thanked him for the opportunity," Daniels told the team's website. "He just didn’t think it was going to go anywhere.

"I talked to him last week and said right now we have three goalies here and we're waiting for one of them to step up and be the guy. The opportunity was there for him to do that, but he didn't feel that it was going to go his way."

DiPietro's chances of being recalled by the Hurricanes grew slimmer with the recent return of Cam Ward from a groin injury and the strong play of Justin Peters while Ward and Anton Khudobin were sidelined.

DiPietro was bought out by the New York Islanders over the summer after appearing in 318 games with the team that selected him with the first pick in the 2000 NHL Draft. A variety of injuries limited him to 50 games over his final five seasons with the Islanders.

DiPietro has a career NHL record of 130-136-28 with eight ties, a 2.87 goals-against average, .902 save percentage and 16 shutouts.