Everblades Kelly Cup Thread

[nccanes]

The Everblades begin their Kelly Cup playoffs tomorrow night. They are the 3rd seed in their Conference and have home ice advantage, facing the SC Stingrays in the first round.

Rob Zepp was recalled back to Lowell last week and cleaned out his locker and made the drive up to Lowell after watching the final 2 reg season games in Florida this weekend. While it might seem nice that he's been recalled as the emergency 3rd backup in Lowell, it's really an indication that he's the odd man out in Florida behind Tyler McKay and Craig Kowalksi. Zepp seemed to suffer from that "good stats but no results" deal where his numbers are good, but the team continued to lose when he was in net, even if it was a 1-2 loss or something.

Anyway, here's the schedule for the Blades 1st round:

Series G
American Conference Quarterfinals
No. 6 South Carolina (39-24-9) vs. No. 3 Florida (42-20-10)

Wednesday, April 13 South Carolina at Florida 7:30 p.m.
Friday, April 15 South Carolina at Florida 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 16 Florida at South Carolina 7:05 p.m.
*Monday, April 18 Florida at South Carolina 7:05 p.m.
*Wednesday, April 20 South Carolina at Florida 7:30 p.m.

So if anyone is in Charleston this weekend, you've got playoff hockey on Saturday night! ;)

Here's the Florida playoff roster:

Tyler MacKay, G; Craig Kowalski, G; Reggie Berg, F; Steve Saviano, F; Paul Cabana, F; Matt Hendricks, F; David Lundbohm, F; Kris Vernarsky, F; Brad Church, F; Greg Hornby, F; Damian Surma, F; Chris Lee, F; Matt Pagnutti, D; Shane Hnidy, D; Simon Tremblay, D; Ryan Brindley, D; Tim O'Connell, D; Brad Fast, D; #Rob Zepp, G; *Keith Anderson, F; *Brandon Coalter, F; **Brent McDonald, F; **Jonas Fiedler, F; #Ernie Hartlieb, F; **Jared Newman, D; **Bryce Charpentier, D.

# — on recall to the American Hockey League

* — 7-day Injured Reserve

** — 30-day Injured Reserve

Jonas Fiedler was selected in the 2004 draft (8th round) and was just signed to the roster when his OHL (Plymouth) season concluded. I think he only played in 1 game and now appears to be on the IR, so not sure what happened there.

Brad Fast has done well in Florida, so I'm sure he's enjoying himself and looking forward to the playoffs (even if it isn't AHL playoffs).

Go Blades!

[nccanes]

Okay - I hate replying to my own thread, lol. But here I sit, finishing up taxes and listening to Game 1.

The 2nd period isn't even over and the Blades are winning 6-3. Good gosh! What I'd give to watch a few live hockey goals and I'd probably faint if I saw 9 goals in less than 2 period, lol.

I think I heard that Fast left the ice with an injury, but haven't heard any details.


EDIT: Blades win 7-4, but suffer a couple of key injuries. Poor Matt Hendricks, a great rookie ECHL season, some time in Lowell and then returned to the Blades to contribute during the playoffs and out in the 1st game. Fast looks to be in bad shape as well. :sad:

Matt Hendricks, the rookie forward who was voted as a starter to the All-Star team for the Everblades, left the game in the first period with a leg injury and was taken to a local hospital. His status for the rest of the playoffs is unknown.

Hendricks was one of two Everblades players to go out in the first period with injuries as a result of the physical play employed by the Stingrays. Defenseman Brad Fast took a hard hit into the boards while battling for the loose puck and suffered a knee injury. He left the dressing room after the game on crutches.

"They tried to hack and whack and hack and whack and as a result they took some undisciplined penalties," Everblades head coach Gerry Fleming said of the Stingrays. "They're the most penalized team in the league for a reason, and I was proud of the way the guys fought through it."

In addition to Hendricks and Fast, Florida goaltender Tyler MacKay injured his left leg in the first period.

[e2ipiand1]

For those who might be interested in taking a road trip to an ECHL playoff game, I noticed the following:

If Pensacola(1), Columbia(2), and Florida(3) win, Florida will play against Columbia.
If Florida(3) wins, but Pensacola(1) and Columbia(2) lose, Florida will play against Greenville.
Otherwise, if Florida wins, they will play the winner of Gwinett - Mississippi.

[nccanes]

Thanks for that update. So no chance of Charlotte, huh?

I'm off for a week now and would love to travel to a game, but I don't think I want to travel all the way to Charleston this weekend, just too much to do to try and squeeze a trip in.

I'm 'watching' tonight's game via the B2 network. I couldn't get the audio broadcast to work so I coughed up the $6 to "watch" it. Hard to follow the puck, and no replays, but not bad.

Hendricks seems to have had an odd injury that resulted in surgery to stop some bleeding.

Two Florida players were injured Wednesday — rookie forward Matt Hendricks and defenseman Brad Fast. Both were hurt on what head coach Gerry Fleming called clean hits. Hendricks suffered a leg contusion that required emergency surgery and Fast injured his knee.


Fast is playing so that's good, but can't imagine he's at full strength if he was on crutches 2 nights ago.

Blades end up losing 3-4.

It was interesting at the conclusion of the game. Immediately (as expected) the Stingrays players left the bench to congratulate the goalie, but there was some shoving going on between the skaters on the ice at the horn. The entire Stingrays bench was jawing and pushing and shoving the lone 6 Everblades that were on the ice. Obviously the Blades bench was staying put as instructed on their bench, not 1 player left the bench area even though the Stingrays vastly outnumbered the lone 6 blades and were nudging and shoving, etc. Even when one of the Rays grabbed a Blade from behind and pulled him down to the ice, not 1 Blade left the bench.

Eventually I guess the Rays realized they looked like fools with a 20 to 6 advantage and started to leave the ice. Only then did the Blades leave their bench. The home Blades fan gave the guys a nice round of applause to send them off to Charleston. Guess they board the bus now and hit the ice again tomorrow night!


Here's an article about Hendrick's injury. Sounds like it was an awful experience.



ECHL: Blades' Hendricks recovering from emergency surgery
By ANDY KENT, ankent@naplesnews.com
April 16, 2005

ESTERO — Florida Everblades rookie forward Matt Hendricks put the minds of his coaches and teammates at ease Friday morning when he showed up in the dressing room on crutches but with a smile on his face.

Hendricks underwent emergency surgery on his left leg Wednesday night at Gulf Coast Hospital in south Fort Myers after being diagnosed with acute compartment syndrome following a collision with South Carolina Stingrays defenseman Nate Kiser in the first period of Florida's 7-4 win in Game 1 of the ECHL American Conference quarterfinals at Germain Arena.

ACS develops when bleeding and swelling get in the way of proper blood circulation to the muscle and nerve tissues.

Hendricks continued to play and tried to fight through the pain again in the second period before being sent off the ice to the trainer's room, and that's when the seriousness of the injury became apparent.

"I wanted to stay on the bench in case I could play in the third, but if I wouldn't have come off you never know what would have happened," said Hendricks, who was placed on the seven-day injured reserve Friday. "By the time I got in here, took my gear off, put ice on it, jumped in the shower and sat down on the bench in the training room it was the most excruciating pain I've ever gone through in my life. Broken bones, sprains, cuts, lacerations on the face, broken nose, nothing even came close to it."

The decreased blood flow led to an increase in tissue pressure, which began to cause the muscles to tighten and contract. Hendricks said it felt like his leg was going to explode. He was taken out of the arena on a stretcher and rushed to the hospital.

Everblades team physician Michael Jugan performed the proce dure known as a fasciatomy after pressure readings of Hendricks' intracompartment came back higher than the threshold required for surgery.

The operation, which involves cutting open the connective tissue called the fascia that surrounds the muscles, is done to lessen the pressure and improve the blood flow to the area.

Dr. Michael Havig, a Naples orthopedic surgeon, said ACS is usually linked to severely broken or crushed bones commonly associated with car accidents or high-impact events.

"He had a traumatic injury and a lot of damage done to his muscle," Everblades trainer Todd Wisocki said. "It doesn't necessarily have to be a fracture. In his case, he had profuse bleeding in his quadricep."

Doctors told Hendricks he needs to allow time for the leg to heal from the surgery and to expect to have to wait two to three weeks before he can try to put skates on. He kept his sense of humor by telling teammate Brandon Coalter that was the last time he was going to dye his hair blue — something he did to loosen up his teammates before the playoffs.

Coalter, who also is on the 7-day IR with a deep thigh bruise, was the first to visit Hendricks at the hospital and called Hendricks' parents and girlfriend to let them know the situation. He also picked up some of Hendricks' belongings and clothes from the team's apartments and brought them to the hospital.

"There's not a guy in the dressing room that doesn't respect Matt Hendricks," said Coalter, who missed almost six weeks this season after having thumb surgery. "When you see people come in with a stretcher to take a guy to the hospital ... I've gone through it myself when I broke my femur (in college), it meant so much to me when there were a couple of guys there just to keep my spirits up. Hendie's an important part of this team"

Said Everblades head coach Gerry Fleming: "It was a real good feeling to see Matty today and we're just fortunate he's eventually going to be OK."

[nccanes]

**crossing fingers**

The Blades are up 3-1 in the 3rd period against SC. They can clinch the first round with a win tonight.

The Blades got Ernie Hartlieb back from the Grand Rapids Griffins after the AHL season was over, but the Stingrays got Daubenspeck and Gomez from Portland, so I guess both teams will be a bit different. Blades are definitely banged up (Saviano had a shoulder injury Sat night).

Well - SC has scored while I'm typing, the Blades lead 3-2.


UPDATE: Blades win the game in OT, 4-3 and move onto the 2nd round. Probably won't play until the end of the week due to other series going longer - they need the time to heal up.

Funny note - the Stingrays honored their 12 year Zamboni driver before the game (he's retiring). Apparently he must have forgotten that ECHL playoff games go into a full OT period (as opposed to a 5 min OT) and didn' t have it ready after the 3rd and the Zamboni didn't come out on time after the 3rd.

Surma had 2 goals tonight (including the game winner) and Fast had an assist on the game winner.

[SoCalcaniac]

12 year old Zamboni driver retiring E??? :lol: Thanks for all these updates, they're great!

Sounds like good playoff stuff in all of these posts- that Hendricks dealio- holy cow- tough kid! I started getting squeamish when the doc was talking a little too detailed. Funny, cause I didn't have any problems looking at the tumor that came out of my brain when the neuro asked if I wanted to 'see it' a year ago :crazy:

Can someone just ship these playoff games to Raleigh? I'm desperate, in over my head at work and no way in heck I'm gonna be able to make any trips to Lowell or Florida or anywhere in between for the next several weeks.... argh.....

[NHLCanes]

Gwinnett knocked off Mississippi, but the other series are still going. We went to see Pee Dee play the weekend before the regular season ended and Gwinnett was their opponent. I don't remember them as being anything special and it didn't look to me like they had as much speed as the Blades but not having seen them before, I've no clue if that's really indicative of how they usually are and of course they should have it turned up a notch for the playoffs. Haven't seen any of the other teams play.

On a side note: Pee Dee (Florence, SC) will not be returning to the ECHL next season. I think they are hoping to return in 2006 in a new arena in Conway, SC but I'm not sure if they've even started construction on an arena yet. Rumor is that an SPHL team will play out of the Florence Civic Center but nothing official on when or even if that team might start play. Sad to see them leave the ECHL though as it was such a quick and easy drive down there and hopefully they will get their arena and not be gone long.

[e2ipiand1]

Well, on the eastern side of the bracket we have:

Florida vs. Greenville
Charlotte vs. Gwinett

Oh, please, please, please let Florida and Charlotte both advance!
:spin:

[nccanes]

I'm with you!!!

Here's the next round schedule:


2005 Kelly Cup Playoffs American Conference Semifinals
No. 1 Seed Florida (42-20-10) vs. No. 4 Seed Greenville (39-28-5)

Friday, April 22
Greenville at Florida 7:30 p.m.

Monday, April 25
Greenville at Florida 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 26
Florida at Greenville 7:05 p.m.

*Friday, April 29
Florida at Greenville 7:05 p.m.

*Saturday, April 30
Greenville at Florida 7:30 p.m.


I'm out of town the next 2 weekends and while I'm in the Charlotte area 1 weekend and G'ville area the next, the timing is reversed.

It would be great to have the Blades in Charlotte though!

[nccanes]

Blades win Game 1 of this round! Looks like an interesting 3rd period!

DATE - 04/22/05 Greenville ( 1) AT Florida ( 4)

SCORE BY PERIODS
Greenville 1 0 0--1
Florida 0 3 1--4


FIRST PERIOD -- Scoring: 1, Greenville-Ferguson 1 (power play)
(Paolini; Jozsa) 14:12. Penalties: Church, FLA (Slashing), 9:43.
Stanley, GRV (Tripping), 10:00. Lee, FLA (Slashing), 13:34.

SECOND PERIOD -- Scoring: 2, Florida-Cabana 3 (power play) (Lundbohm;
Vernarsky) 6:25. 3, Florida-Surma 2 (game winner) (Hnidy) 10:30. 4,
Florida-Hartlieb 2 (Berg) 15:46. Penalties: Nightingale, GRV (Holding),
2:31. Herring, GRV (Roughing), 5:15. Vernarsky, FLA (Hooking),
11:40.

THIRD PERIOD -- Scoring: 5, Florida-Lundbohm 5 (unassisted) 3:13.
Penalties: Paolini, GRV (Unsportsmanlike Cond), 5:36. Cabana, FLA
(High sticking), 5:36. Metcalfe, GRV (Slashing), 8:00. Cabana, FLA
(Unsportsmanlike Cond), 10:39. Barch, GRV (Unsportsmanlike Cond),
10:39. MacKay, FLA served by Vernarsky (Tripping), 12:27. Pagnutti,
FLA (Slashing), 13:23. Ferguson, GRV (Ten minute misc.), 14:10.
O'Connell, FLA (Fighting, Major, Game misc.), 14:49. Brindley, FLA
(Fighting, Major, Game misc.), 14:49. Pepperall, GRV (Fighting, Major,
Game misc.), 14:49. Vernarsky, FLA (Fighting, Major, Game misc.),
14:49. Jozsa, GRV (Fighting, Major, Game misc.), 14:49. MacKay, FLA
(Fighting, Major, Game misc.), 14:49. Pitirri, GRV (Fighting, Major,
Game misc.), 14:49. Barch, GRV (Fighting, Double Major, Game misc.-2),
14:49. O'Connell, FLA (Game misc.), 14:49. Tremblay, FLA (Roughing),
15:16. Nightingale, GRV (Fighting, Major), 15:16. Tremblay, FLA
served by Cabana (Fighting, Major), 15:16. Pierce, GRV (Tripping),
18:52.

SHOTS ON GOAL
Greenville 16 8 9--33
Florida 10 16 8--34

Power Play Conversions: Greenville - 1 of 7, Florida - 1 of 5.
Goalies: Greenville-Brodeur (34 shots, 30 saves; record: 2-1-0).
Florida-MacKay (32 shots, 31 saves; record: 4-1-0); Kowalski (
1 shots, 1 saves).
A: 5203. Referee: Britt. Linesmen: Finley; Jones.

Apparently Tyler MacKay (goalie) was injured to the point of need stitches or something (didn't get a chance to listen to the game) which is why Kowalski played too. And MacKay appears to have fought, but the other goalie did not. That seems highly unusual, doesn't it?

Some info about the melee.

Things got very chippy from there, and exploded into pure mayhem with 5:11 left in front of the Everblades net when Barch ran MacKay, landed on top of him and then started throwing punches. Three other fights broke out, then when Barch finally was pulled off MacKay, the irate goalie went after him and wound up getting in a fight with Richard Pitirri.

When everything settled down, MacKay left the ice bleeding from the forehead and Kowalski finished out the game. MacKay had to get nine stitches to close up the wound.

Fleming, assistant coach Jason Nobili and Everblades team president/general manager Craig Brush met with former NHL referee and ECHL advisor Don Koharski at length after the game to look at tape of the melee. Some changes in the final penalties could take place as the league tries to determine how many suspensions come out of it.

"It was bull. Anytime a guy deliberately runs at your goalie, bottom line it's (expletive)," Fleming said. "I don't understand how a linesman can take us down a man already and remove our guy from a play. It just doesn't make sense to me. I'm mad as hell and it was just a (mess). But it's huge to get the win in the first game in a short series like this."


Clip of fight:
http://wms.scripps.com/naples/05/04/bfight.wmv

[nccanes]

The Blades can sweep G'ville tonight in Game 3. They are up 2 games to 0 on the Grrrowl.

I was exhausted last night and went to bed with the Blades up 3-2 in the 3rd. Guess there was a lot of game left since they needed OT to win it (4-3).



Saviano, who hadn't played since injuring his shoulder nine days ago, picked up the loose puck in the neutral zone and fired a slapshot from the high slot. Grrrowl goaltender Mike Brodeur never saw it and the goal sent the 5,468 fans into a frenzy.

"It was pretty fast. I just cut across the middle and I saw the defenseman backed up into the high slot and give me the opportunity to get a lot of wood on the shot," Saviano said. "I just shot it as hard as I could and it went right in. I was ready to jump in the stands there I was so happy, but my teammates were all there for me, it was a good feeling."



Wouldn't an Game Winning OT goal be something to see (again)!?

http://mas.scripps.com/NPDN/2005/04/25/N-blades526_e.jpg

Good for Saviano who missed 2 games due to a shoulder injury!:D

Can't imagine boarding a bus after an OT game, driving from Estero FL to Greenville SC and playing again 24 hours later, lol!

[nccanes]

Here's an interesting column on the library atomsphere at Germain Arena. Interesting since the Blades had the highest ECHL avg attendance (again) this year and had over 5k fans at a Monday night game. I've heard that the management is really hard on fan behavior and signs (and even tailgating). Guess it's true.

Tom Hanson: Shhhhhhh! The Blades are playing
By TOM HANSON, tahanson@naplesnews.com
April 26, 2005

If you didn't hear, the Florida Everblades won 4-3 in overtime Monday night. You could have been at Germain Arena and not known.

There were 5,468 on hand, but not a creature was stirring, not even a Swampee.

Or should I say there were 5,468 on their hands.

The nickname for Germain Arena should be "The Library."

Shuuush, the Everblades are on a power play.

For the first 15 minutes of Monday night's game, the fans acted like they were studying for mid-terms. The others, who adhere to the L.A.-fashionably-late theme, were too busy trying to find their seats to get up and scream.

During that first period, Everblades alternate captain Brad Church got called for what was a questionable slashing penalty. And the chant — something about what referees should do with a popsicle — that followed lasted a whole five seconds of his two minutes in the box.

I've seen more fan participation at a violin recital.

The problem isn't the play. For minor-league hockey, it's exciting.

The problem is that the majority of the fans at Germain Arena are not hockey savvy. Also, the Everblades management tries too hard to make it a family atmosphere.

For most of the fans, a Blades game is like that occasional cigarette: It's a social thing. A Blades game is just another reason to get out of the house.

Other than a few fans, which include the two young ladies wearing the Reggie Berg and David Lundbohm jerseys in the second row of Section 109, the couple with the great sign, "Hey Metcalfe, Just Go Start The Bus," and the five regular contributors to Andy Kent's blog, the masses only cheer when Florida scores a goal.

There's no tradition — yes, three plastic alligators were thrown on the ice after Kris Vernarsky's goal. That was a nice touch. But how about 100 plastic alligators? That would be special.

There's no intimidation factor.

Heck it was Monday night and there wasn't any Fear Factor.

"This isn't a feared barn," said Idaho Steelheads coach John Olver, whose team took away the Blades' so-called home-ice advantage with two wins to start last year's Kelly Cup finals. "It's a nice place to play, the fans are great but not intimidating."

But calling Germain Arena a barn might be a stretch. It's more like a large place of worship where most of the parishioners pray silently. Except for the Pavlov's Dog Fan Loudness Meter, which is embarrassing, all the cheers are predictable — after a goal or during a fight.

Olver said Anchorage, home of the Alaska Aces, has the rowdiest barn in the ECHL. With an announcer that gets the crowd going, Olver said chants can last up to 15 minutes.

"It's a scary place to play," Olver said "They have a definite advantage because of the crowd."

The only advantage the Everblades have playing at home is that they get to sleep in their own beds. And the only things opposing teams fear when coming to Florida is a Brandon Coalter right and getting a sunburn.

During a fight in the second period Monday night, the first 20 rows of Section 120 didn't even stand up. They didn't cheer. I've seen people more enraged at a county commission meeting when Wal-Mart talks about building a new store down the street from their gated communities.:lol:

Part of the lackluster atmosphere falls on the Everblades management. You could not have been to a Florida game in four years and you can guess the song list.

"That intro, that dah, dah, dah is a bit old and a bit boring," said one Everblades player. "It really doesn't get us pumped up." (Sounds like they should let Pete Soto take a trip down to Estero, lol)
And Blades executives, yes you Mr. Brush, are to blame for the curtailed cheering.

Fans aren't allowed to bang on the glass. "Oh they might break the glass." If that's the case, what will a puck traveling 90 miles an hour do then?

Fans have been told they aren't allowed to scream at opposing players in the penalty box — "It's against a new league mandate" (wink, wink). Which prompted a fan to say, "The last time I checked, this was still Florida, which is still part of the United States."

Come on Mr. Brush, let the fans be fans. It's not as if they bought tickets to see Dorothy Hammill and Ice Capades. And it's not as if Ernie Hartlieb is going to do a triple-toe loop.

Even Section 120 might get up the energy to applaud that.

What it comes down to is that the Everblades fans are spoiled.

With the constant success of the team, the fans have become complacent and expect victories.

And the Everblades have another talented team.

So come on out to "The Library." But don't bring a book. Bring some enthusiasm and let's start some tradition.

[SoCalcaniac]

Holy Cow- "The Library" uh, after reading that, it sounds like "The Morgue" :crazy: :crazy: ! WTF? I mean do they have signs up saying 'no cheering???' OMG.

That fight looked like a doozy. and love the OT Winning Goal pic- I'd give anything to see one "live" like right now. :eek:

E- your avatar made me gasp. Maybe I've not been paying attention or been distracted cause I've not noticed it until now- I can see JF in my minds eye right now sipping his Starbucks and yakkin' with whatever beat writer or opposing teams media crew happens to be within earshot ;) :kiss:

[nccanes]

And the Blades SWEEP and head to the Conference finals! Took OT to do it, but they won 2-1.

They'll take on either Charlotte or Gwinnett (which is tied 1-1 I think).

Guess that long bus ride home tonight might be kinda fun, lol!

:D

[nccanes]

E- your avatar made me gasp. Maybe I've not been paying attention or been distracted cause I've not noticed it until now- I can see JF in my minds eye right now sipping his Starbucks and yakkin' with whatever beat writer or opposing teams media crew happens to be within earshot ;) :kiss:

Yeah, a poster was having some av problems so I was fiddling with mine and decided to keep this one.

I've got another that hyena made me (and didn't think I'd use, but did). I'll pull that one out at some point and it'll be good for a chuckle!

[Night Train]

Charlotte and Gwinnett are even at 1. Games 3&4 are Wednesday/Thursday in Charlotte. I'd love to see a Charlotte/Florida series. The game they played earlier this year that I was at was very exciting (5-4 CHA in OT).

[nccanes]

Another day another playoff OT win photo! (or photos)

http://www.greenvilleonline.com/news/sports/images/042605grrrowl/images/Grrrowl_835.jpg

http://www.greenvilleonline.com/news/sports/images/042605grrrowl/images/Grrrowl_841.jpg

[SoCalcaniac]

OT Celebrations RULE........... Love those pics E.......

[NHLCanes]

Blades Announce Conference Finals Schedule
http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=3153867
If Florida plays Gwinnett:

Game 1: Monday, May 2 - Gwinnett at Florida, 7:30 p.m. @ Germain Arena
Game 2: Wednesday, May 4 - Gwinnett at Florida, 7:30 p.m. @ Germain Arena
Game 3: Friday, May 6 - Florida at Gwinnett, 7:35 p.m. @ The Arena at Gwinnett Center
Game 4: Saturday, May 7 - Florida at Gwinnett, 7:35 p.m. @ The Arena at Gwinnett Center
Game 5*: Tuesday, May 10 - Gwinnett at Florida, 7:30 p.m. @ Germain Arena
Game 6*: Friday, May 13 - Florida at Gwinnett, 7:35 p.m. @ The Arena at Gwinnett Center
Game 7*: Sunday, May 15 - Gwinnett at Florida, TBA @ Germain Arena


If Florida plays Charlotte:

Game 1: Monday, May 2 - Charlotte at Florida, 7:30 p.m. @ Germain Arena
Game 2: Wednesday, May 4 - Charlotte at Florida, 7:30 p.m. @ Germain Arena
Game 3: Friday, May 6 - Florida at Charlotte, 7:00 p.m. @ Cricket Arena
Game 4: Sunday, May 8 - Florida at Charlotte, 5:00 p.m. @ Cricket Arena
Game 5*: Tuesday, May 10 - Charlotte at Florida, 7:30 p.m. @ Germain Arena
Game 6*: Friday, May 13 - Florida at Charlotte, 7:00 p.m. @ Cricket Arena
Game 7*: Sunday, May 15 - Charlotte at Florida, TBA @ Germain Arena

[nccanes]

Not trying to jinx the Checkers with just a few minutes left in their game (leading and can clinch), but I think I can get to Game 4 in Charlotte!! :D

[NHLCanes]

I'm hoping Charlotte pulls it off - I'm going to try to get to at least one of those games myself if they do.

[nccanes]

So whose got the scoop on Cricket arena? Easy to get to? Parking? Dump? Nice?

Where is folgers when you need him?

[nccanes]

Here's a (lame) feature from a local news channel with Brandon Coalter (enforcer) and Craig "Killer" Kowalski (goalie) on their "off days" during the playoffs (pizza and fishing).

It's actually kind of cute (in a lame way) and shows their playoff beards.

http://www.nbc-2.com/articles/readarticle.asp?articleid=3187&z=3&p=

[SoCalcaniac]

Tee hee- good clip E!

So Charlotte clinched? Anyone got info on the arena & tickets? I think we can do at least game 3 if not game 3 and 4........

[Shell]

Yep they did... maybe we can organize another big group to go? We can't do Friday but maybe could do Sunday (mom's day).. I had fun in Norfolk! We can all crash at Caniac's house! :beatup:

04/28/05
CHECKERS ADVANCE TO AMERICAN CONFERENCE FINALS!

CHARLOTTE, NC – In a furious battle to advance to the third round for the first time in nine years, the Checkers defeated the Gwinnett Gladiators 3-0 before a crowd of 2,751 at Cricket Arena. Checkers goalie Alex Westlund was unconscious, notching 50 saves in the shutout (What the hell??).
Charlotte now advances to the American Conference finals where they will face the Florida Everblades in a best-of-seven series.

The first two games of the series will be played on Monday and Wednesday in Estero, Florida, twenty miles south of Fort Myers. The Checkers regain home-ice advantage for Games Three and Four on Friday, May 6 at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, May 8 at 5:05 p.m.

Knowing they were in a win-or-go-home situation, the Gladiators came out swinging in the first period. The Checkers swung back during the volatile first frame as the two teams battered each other, primarily in Checkers territory. The Gladiators outshot the Checkers 19 to 5 for the period but Checkers goalie Alex Westlund withstood the flurry. Both teams retired to the locker room with the score knotted at 0-0.

In the second period, the Checkers got a good look at Gwinnett goalie Adam Berkhoel. Berkhoel was a perfect 4-0 in the post-season with a 1.43 goals-against-average and a .944 save percentage. The Checkers Regan Darby had a total of two goals in 66 games this season. But it was Darby who beat Berkhoel two minutes and twenty seconds into the middle stanza with a slapshot from the right face-off circle.

The Gladiators outshot the Checkers once again, notching 10 shots to the Checkers 8, but Charlotte ended the second period ahead 1-0.

Throughout the four game series, neither the Checkers nor the Gladiators had scored in the third period. But it was in the third period that the Checkers clinched a berth in the American Conference finals. At the 6:27 mark, big Steve MacIntyre fed a hard-charging Ryan Lang who shoveled it past Berkhoel for the shortside score, putting the Checkers up 2-0.

With less than a minute to play in the game, Gwinnett coach Jeff Pyle pulled Berkhoel for a sixth attacker. Westlund would stop 21 shots in the third period until Checkers forward Dusty Jamieson cleared the puck to Bogdan Rudenko. Rudenko fired from behind the Checkers blueline and sealed the game at 3-0 with the empty net, long distance score.

Tickets for the American Conference finals will go on sale Friday, April 29. For more information, call 704-342-4ICE or visit www.gocheckers.com.

[Caniac]

Yeah people in town are actually starting to notice now. Which is good, but man that's bad, if you know what I mean. :(

It's sad this can't be more of a hockey town, but it's saturated with Nascar, Panthers and now Bobcats.

[nccanes]

I have a ticket rep name at the Checkers. I think you can order tickets directly from him to avoid the ticketmaster fees.

Anyway, they weren't available when I called this morning, but he's left me a message (meeting/lunch) and I just left him one back.

I'm definitely out for Friday (will be in Asheville), but definitely in for Sunday at 5pm.

His name is Shawn and his direct line is 704-444-1873.

Here is the seating chart for the arena - don't know which side is penalty or benches. I'll post it if I hear from Shawn.



http://media.ticketmaster.com/en-us/tmimages/venue/maps/atl/4289s.gif

[NHLCanes]

I think we're going to try for the first Friday game. My husband works at night so we are planning to leave Friday morning (as soon as he gets off work probably) and get there early so he can get some sleep before the game, stay the night and come home Saturday. I'd love to see the Sunday game but he has to return to work that night so that's out. If they need to play on the 13th too, we may try to make that one as well. I think I'll call on Monday and see about sitting behind or near the Blades' bench - I'm out of town right now, so I'll wait until I get home to call.

[MIKELIUT]

I ordered two tickets for this past Wednesday's Checkers/Gwins playoff game in Charlotte for Folgers, he sat with a friend in Section 108 Row G. I also ordered them by phone through Checkers ticket rep Shawn (see post above for his phone #) there were no TM service charges and Folgers picked them up at will-call. I'm ordering 4 tickets for him for the Friday May 6 game Checkers/Blades game in Charlotte and have requested Section 108 (center ice).

He said that seats in 108 were great.

The arena seats 10,500, attendance for the two playoff games this week was about 2,800.

[MIKELIUT]

So whose got the scoop on Cricket arena? Easy to get to? Parking? Dump? Nice?

Where is folgers when you need him?

Cricket Arena is on Independence Blvd, maybe 3 miles east of downtown (except they call downtown "uptown".) The parking is right AT the arena or across the street, it was $6 during the regular season. The arena was built in 1953 or 1956, it's seen better days. But its a great place to see a hockey game. For the conference finals tickets range from $12 to $24. The $24 are first three rows. $22 seats are great, Section 108 is center ice on one side (that is where Folgers sat in the conference semi-finals this week). Food at the arena is decent and not that expensive.

[nccanes]

Thanks for all the info ML!!!

Apparently the column about Germain being a "library" pushed a lot of buttons and the sports talk radio was abuzz about it all week. The writer wrote a 2nd column with suggestions to liven up the arena this week.

Anyway, he also came up with the idea for fans to bring books to donate to a local library/education fund as sort of a joke and a great donation idea. The Naples Daily News is sponsoring it and will provide donation bins for collection.

The Blades GM endorsed the idea and the fans will be encouraged to READ their books while the starting lineup for the Checkers is announced to show a disinterest and then drop them in the bins at intermission.

:smoke:

[nccanes]

While y'all are all waiting for the Monsters to get started on Friday, you can check up on the Blades tonight. They host the Checkers tonight for Game 1 in Estero.

Craig Kowalski is getting the nod (again) to continue his starts in goal. Hnidy and Pagnutti will be back in the lineup after missing a few with various bumps/bruises.

And in other news, I secured my tickets for Sunday in Charlotte. The guy I spoke to said he'd left a msg for the Canes ticket dept in order to give him info to send out to the Canes fans. He said another Canes fan had suggested it to him and he thought it was a great idea. I'm thinking it may have been MikeLuit. ;)

Great idea since there are some people (gasp) who may not even realize they will be down the road.

[MIKELIUT]

And in other news, I secured my tickets for Sunday in Charlotte. The guy I spoke to said he'd left a msg for the Canes ticket dept in order to give him info to send out to the Canes fans. He said another Canes fan had suggested it to him and he thought it was a great idea. I'm thinking it may have been MikeLuit. ;)

Great idea since there are some people (gasp) who may not even realize they will be down the road.

Yes, it was me that suggested Shawn call Kyle Prairie and see if they could send out an email to STH about the Blades/Checkersgames this Friday and Sunday in Charlotte.

I bought Folgers 4 seats for Friday night's game 108 Row H Seats 3-6 (center ice 8th row) so anyone at the game can look for him there. If I get to Charlotte it will be spur of the moment.

See the number a few posts up for the direct line Shawn at the Checkers ticket office. He'll have tickets held for you at will call with no service charge if you give him a credit card number over the phone. $22 is price for center ice lower level (ask for "circle" seats)

[nccanes]

Hopefully the Canes will send out that info!!

The Blades are up 5-2 in the 2nd, so I think I'll go watch 24! ;)


EDIT:
(As an aside, 24 is almost too stupid to watch at this point after watching last night's episode.)

Okay - Blades win 6-4 and chase Alex Westlund from the net, who has been "the" hot goalie up to this point.



http://cmsimg.news-press.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=A4&Date=20050503&Category=SPORTS&ArtNo=505030447&Ref=AR&Profile=1075&MaxW=400&MaxH=400&Q=80&title=1

[LLM639]

SUPER GOOD to see Steve Saviano getting regular ice time. That guy flys around the ice, so much fun to watch. But at 5'7", he was getting croaked in Lowell so they sent him down to FLA. Great move, but I wish he was here. So super skilled on offense and hustles back to play D. In preseason of this year, he went and solidly body checked a guy 6'7" (worcester D man), took him out of the play! Kid has cahones. You guys are lucky to see him.

[MIKELIUT]

And in other news, I secured my tickets for Sunday in Charlotte. The guy I spoke to said he'd left a msg for the Canes ticket dept in order to give him info to send out to the Canes fans. He said another Canes fan had suggested it to him and he thought it was a great idea. I'm thinking it may have been MikeLuit. ;)



The Canesconnect email newsletter that I just got a few minutes ago mentions the games in Charlotte and links to the ticketmaster page for the Checkers.

[NHLCanes]

Anybody got any suggestions for a decent hotel in Charlotte, as near as possible to the arena I guess?

[nccanes]

I'm no help NHLCanes.

Blades drop one tonight, 4-5 so the series is even 1-1. A real back and forth game, I think Kowalski was pulled at some point. It'll be interesting to see what way he goes with goalies now.

Looking forward to seeing playoff hockey on Sunday. Oddly enough, this is the 2nd year in a row I've caught some ECHL playoff hockey (stumbled into it in Pensacola, FL last April). Since it's been THREE years since we had playoff hockey in Raleigh, no complaints from me. :beatup:

[NHLCanes]

Just back from Charlotte. Blades won 2-1 with MacKay in net. He looked much sharper last night. Both teams looked a bit sloppy at times to me (and the ice seemed a bit choppy or something too), but Florida controlled the play while Charlotte seemed to not do much of anything at times. Westlund for Charlotte stood on his head though - they were outshot 23 to 38 by the Blades and he has a teammate to "thank" for the game winning goal. Surma was coming in alone when he was was taken down and into Westlund by a Charlotte player. He managed to get the puck to Reggie Berg and Berg scored while Surma and Westlund (and maybe Westlund's teammate) were all flying into the net. Charlotte argued the goal to no avail. The referee did a good job I thought of just letting them play - since the Blades scored on the delayed penalty there was only one PP when Brad Church was called for high sticking in the 3rd.

We ended up staying at the Hampton Inn - Uptown on 2nd Street. Nice, clean rooms, very friendly staff at a reasonable price - $85, including tax. Easy to get to from I-85 and then I-77. They also have a shuttle service so we didn't have to drive to the arena.

[goalie33]

I know this is slightly off-topic, and it shows my ignorance of the 'Blades that I don't know what their jerseys look like, but as much as I've seen NHL designs in different color on minor- and beer-league teams, I've never even considered using different colors with the Montreal dark design. Those are some nice-looking sweaters on our boys.

[nccanes]

Yeah, aren't those unis really nice! Most ECHL uniforms seem to suck, i really like the Blades - particularly the away ones.

Long weekend for me that originated in Asheville today, but got to Charlotte on time and managed to have a really nice chat with Mr. Tatomir who was hanging out with the Everblades and actually supplied them with his "machine" (which I presume to be the skate sharpener but never asked, lol) since the Everblades "machine" broke.

The Blades lost, so the series is tied 2-2, which means the Blades will definitely be BACK in Charlotte next Friday for Game 6.

I suspect that their suddenly shaky goaltending tandem may be their undoing - unless one of them finds their mojo as quickly as they lost it.

[goalie33]

Next Friday, huh...I may just have to go. I've missed hockey, and playing 2-3 times a week has satisfied my craving, but I *really* miss playoff hockey.

[nccanes]

The Charlotte crowd was rather small, but they were extremely loud and into it. Made me chuckle to hear the goalie taunts (and you know I really dislike goalie taunts), the refs getting an earful, and really loud goal celebrations. Some guys on the glass had signs that were just crudely simply, but made me laugh "We Hate U" and "MacKay U Suck".

Cricket is an old place, but they have a very nice Jumbotron with video and some replay capability, a music guy with a sense of humor, etc. Heck, there was even a ref named Fraser (Wally confirmed it was Kerry's son Ryan. I wondered what his hair was like, but they wear helmets so I couldn't see it). :beatup:

[NHLCanes]

Bring back Zepp... :beatup:

I don't know if he's the answer, but Kowalski and MacKay just aren't getting it done. I don't know what's happened to MacKay - he seemed to do so well in the regular season, and I was hoping he'd got straightened out after doing so well Friday but I guess not.

We might go back Friday night - haven't decided yet. I didn't think the arena was too bad to be as old as it is, and the Checkers fans were friendly. We did however manage to keep alive our streak of sitting in front or near the biggest blowhard in the arena who kept up an incessant stream of chatter in an effort to impress one of his female companions.

[nccanes]

Well, good for us NHLC, we criticize the goalies and MacKay gets a shutout tonight!

Blades win 5-0 and can close the series out on Friday in Charlotte. Wish game time was 7:30 instead of 7:00. Don't know if or how I could get out of work early enough to get there (with Fri traffic).

Hmmmmmm

[NHLCanes]

Whatever works I guess! Perhaps we should critiicize them again before Friday's game. In this case, I'm glad I was wrong.

I was shocked to see such a rout tonight from the Blades to be honest. I knew they could get the job done offensively, but I was concerned about their ability to get the defensive work done. I'd like to go back Friday, but I don't think it's going to happen after all - I've been out of town quite a bit staying with my dad and I guess I really *need* to stay home this weekend and get some stuff done. :cry:

[nccanes]

So, we're going tomorrow night. :beatup:

Might not make it for opening face off, but we'll get there.....

[Mona]

So, we're going tomorrow night. :beatup:

Might not make it for opening face off, but we'll get there.....

Have a great time E.. enjoy and travel safe! :spin:

[nccanes]

Wow - I finally got to see a playoff series end and see the handshake line, etc.

The Blades won about 30 seconds into OT, 1-0. It was the last ECHL game at Cricket Arena as the Checkers are moving into the new Bobcats arena next season. Great crowd (around 5k) that was really, really loud. There were so many great chances for both teams, but the goalies both were outstanding.

The game winning goal was scored by Damian Surma off a nice rebound (the only one I can remember in the game) with time and space he buried over it Westlund's shoulder and it stuck in the net.

So fun to see the Blades pile out of the bench in celebration and then the handshake line.

We were able to see the team leave and I took the chance to congratulate Surma and told him that we all remember his great goal in his first NHL game. He looked at me and kind of paused and said "That was great......thank you". I felt like CL who always thinks of something nice to say to the players instead of just "good game", lol.

Can I just say (again) that I LOVE the tag-up offside rule. It lets the game flow SO much better.

Anyway, well worth the trip to Charlotte, I've really gotten to like this team! :D

[nccanes]

Coach Fleming with the lineup card and "Craig" Brush (the GM) to his right before the game:


http://www64.pair.com/efrancis/Everblades/20050513/2pregamegfcb.JPG


The handshake line:

http://www64.pair.com/efrancis/Everblades/20050513/8handshake.JPG

http://www64.pair.com/efrancis/Everblades/20050513/HUG.JPG

This is a horrible photo, but I thought it was adorable. The bleach blonde is Matt Hendricks, the Blades rookie that has done so well this year and spent a short stint in Lowell before returning for the Blades playoffs. He had the bizarre leg contusion/internal bleeding injury that required emergency surgery to relieve the pressure (he was injured in game 1 of the first round). Anyway, he was cleared to play, but they decided not to play him in this game, but he got to travel with the team and he (and Kris Vernarsky who was ill) were fun to watch in the stands and at rink side. Obviously he was thrilled for the guys.

[SoCalcaniac]

Wow - I finally got to see a playoff series end and see the handshake line, etc.

The Blades won about 30 seconds into OT, 1-0. It was the last ECHL game at Cricket Arena as the Checkers are moving into the new Bobcats arena next season. Great crowd (around 5k) that was really, really loud. There were so many great chances for both teams, but the goalies both were outstanding.

The game winning goal was scored by Damian Surma off a nice rebound (the only one I can remember in the game) with time and space he buried over it Westlund's shoulder and it stuck in the net.

So fun to see the Blades pile out of the bench in celebration and then the handshake line.

We were able to see the team leave and I took the chance to congratulate Surma and told him that we all remember his great goal in his first NHL game. He looked at me and kind of paused and said "That was great......thank you". I felt like CL who always thinks of something nice to say to the players instead of just "good game", lol.

Can I just say (again) that I LOVE the tag-up offside rule. It lets the game flow SO much better.

Anyway, well worth the trip to Charlotte, I've really gotten to like this team! :D

Sounds like you had a blast E! and how great for Surma! I bet you caught him off guard with you reflecting on his first NHL goal- and dang, that was a great first goal! Man................ now if we can only get the Monsters back on track..... Tag up offsides RULEssssss. Glad there was a great crowd too! JR can at least be happy for the Blades ;) ;)

"Craig" ahhh- it's very clear for me now! ;)

[Canesluver]

Glad you got to witness that, NCC! During the 'Canes run in '02, it sucked always being the lower seed in each round, 'cause they never got to end the series at home. Had to watch the handshakes on TV.

I felt like CL who always thinks of something nice to say to the players instead of just "good game", lol.

:beatup: I've missed making small talk! I've resorted to being one of those people who say random things in elevators... "Looks like it's gonna rain today..." :lol:

Okay.. back OT....
I haven't been following the Blades at all.... do they go to a championship series, now, or is there still another round left?

[nccanes]

LMAO CL, talking to strangers in elevators! And seriously, I was like "okay, want to say something to Surma - would would CL say????" :lol: I realized I must totally be prepared because otherwise I'll just say "good game", lol.

Yes, they go to the Kelly Cup Finals and will face the winner of the Trenton/Alaska series (currently tied 3-3 with Game 7 Monday I think). Of course, the Blades want Trenton because it will be FAR less expensive and the fans would be able to travel to it more easily.

BTW, the Alaska Aces is the team that Scott Gomez has been playing for all year until that check into the open bench which cracked his pelvis and put him out of commission.

"Craig" (GM/part owner) did save some moola with this Game 6 win because they had 2 Disney on Ice shows scheduled this weekend that he would have had to buy out from Disney and that whole deal was avoided with the win.

[nccanes]

The Trenton Titans beat the Alaska Aces (Scott Gomez's team) last night in Game 7 of that series, so the Blades will face the Titans. I'm sure the Blades travel budget thanks the Titans immensely!

FLORIDA EVERBLADES VS. TRENTON TITANS
• Game 1: Saturday at Germain Arena, 7:30 p.m.
• Game 2: Sunday at Germain Arena, 5 p.m.
• Game 3: Friday, May 27 at Trenton, 7:30 p.m.
• Game 4: Saturday, May 28 at Trenton, 7 p.m.
• Game 5: Monday, May 30 at Trenton (if necessary), 5 p.m.
• Game 6: Wednesday, June 1 at Germain Arena (if necessary), 7:30 p.m.
• Game 7: Friday, June 3 at Germain Arena (if necessary), 7:30 p.m.

[nccanes]

The Blades get started tomorrow night. The game is already Standing Room Only. :)

Games 3/4/5 are over Memorial Day weekend in Trenton, so I think the Blades will have quite the road showing of fans!

And it looks like our Canadian friends might be able to view this game on the NHL Network and perhaps those of you that get Comcast SE.


ECHL: Going in half-blind
Both the Florida Everblades and the Trenton Titans will head into the Kelly Cup Finals will limited knowledge about each other's gameplay

By WILL GRAVES, wrgraves@naplesnews.com
May 20, 2005

Ah, the power of technology.

Thanks to a little assist from Germain Arena audio-visual supervisor Sean McHale, Florida Everblades head coach Gerry Fleming and assistant coach Jason Nobili watched Game 7 of the ECHL National Conference Finals between Alaska and Trenton in the intimate, if not exactly cozy confines of their Germain Arena office.

After McHale hardwired the TV set in the office to pick up the action in Trenton's 2-0 victory — hope Comcast doesn't find out about that — Fleming and Nobili spent half the night breaking down what makes the Titans tick.

By the time Fleming returned to Germain Arena on Tuesday morning for practice, the phone line to his office was buzzing with calls from fellow ECHL coaches giving their thoughts on how the Everblades can emerge from their Kelly Cup Finals match-up against the Titans with the Cup aloft over their head.

Trading information is a common courtesy coaches extend to each other this time of year. It's also a pretty helpful way to gauge a team you haven't come within 300 miles of all season.

Game 1 will mark the first time in Florida's seven-year history it will be on the same sheet of ice as Trenton.

Yet all the scouting, all the video breakdowns and all the writing on the eraser board only go so far. The Blades know they won't really know about the Titans until about, say 10 p.m., on Saturday night following Game 1 at Germain Arena.

"For both of us, Trenton and ourselves, it's going to be a little bit tough because it's uncertain," said Florida forward Reggie Berg after Thursday morning's practice. "Nobody really knows what's going on. You have to go out there and do what Gerry and Jason ask of us and just kind of figure it out as we go."

And hopefully figure it out a little bit faster than they did last year, when Idaho came into Germain Arena and took the first two games of the Finals en route to winning the championship in five games.

Though as Fleming likes to reiterate, this isn't last year, when the Blades finally broke through after several seasons of playoff futility to make the Cup Finals for the first time in team history.

"I think some of the lessons that we took, we'll apply to this year," Fleming said. "I think the main lesson is you have to be focused and concentrate and not let all the hype and the media attention and everything that goes along with being the last two teams in the league playing for the championship (get to you)."

The team that's successful will be the team that adapts to the opponent's style of play the fastest.

Florida goaltender Tyler MacKay, who faced the Titans during the regular season while playing for the Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies before being traded to the Blades on Feb. 4, said the National Conference is a little bit slower, a little bit more physical, than the Southern Conference.


"During the game you can feel the difference in the game," MacKay said. "I just think the North is a lot more clutch-and- grab. It's not quite as wide open."

But the Blades, arguably one of the league's fastest teams, have been able to navigate their way through a postseason in which they've faced three very different opponents. South Carolina tried to bully them in the opening round. Didn't work.

Greenville tried to skate with them. Didn't work. Charlotte tried to do a little bit of both.

That didn't work either.

"We've seen both ends of the spectrum of skill and physical play," Berg said. "We've adapted well on both sides and we're still playing. The key for us is to stay disciplined and focused and stick to the game plan."

A game plan that doesn't necessarily have to figure out a way to stop the Titans.

"It's a situation where we've got to worry about our game the most, and make them keep up with us, have them adjust to what we're doing," said Florida veteran forward Brad Church, who saw a lot of the Titans last year when he played for the Reading Royals. "We've been playing great hockey all throughout the playoffs. Even the games we lost we had a chance to win all those games.

We've got to play our same style and take the play to them."

NOTES: Everblades rookie forward Matt Hendricks didn't find out until before Thursday morning's practice that he had been activated off the seven- day injured reserve. "It's obviously exciting to get out there and hopefully get the opportunity to play," Hendricks said.

"My leg, I don't have a problem with it at all anymore other than just a little bit of soreness from the bruising.

But the stiffness is pretty much gone and the flexibility is at 100 percent and the strength is superior to last week." ... According to Everblades team president/ general manager Craig Brush, Saturday's Game 1 is sold out but standing-room-only tickets still are available. He said there are plenty of tickets left for Sunday's Game 2 but they are going fast. ... According to ECHL vice president of marketing and sales, the three games being televised on UPN- 8 from Trenton, N.J., those games also will be linked to the NHL Network out of Canada so that more fans can view the games.

Thornborough said he still is working with Comcast Sports Southeast to try to broaden the viewership but will know more next week.

[nccanes]

Y'all don't mind me as I talk to myself about the 'Blades. :lol:

This article sounds like the one that were written in the Spring of '02. Just replace Estero with Raleigh and the Everblades with the Hurricanes.


By Glenn Miller
gmiller@news-press.com

When the prospect of minor-league hockey in Southwest Florida surfaced in the 1990s, there may have been a few skeptics.

"There were a lot of skeptics," said Craig Brush, president and general manager of the Florida Everblades.

Gary Ewen, sports development manager for the Lee County Sports Authority, recalls meeting with Brush when the possibility of placing a team in Southwest Florida became a reality. Ewen recalled a premise that hovered over discussions.

"There were a lot of northerners here waiting for a hockey team to come to town," Ewen said.

Tonight a crowd of more than 7,000 will fill the Everblades' home, Germain Arena in Estero, at 7:30 p.m. Fans will cheer on the Everblades against the Trenton Titans in Game 1 of the

Kelly Cup Finals, the championship playoff round of the 28-team ECHL.

Hockey in Florida? You bet. Hockey in the month of June in Florida? Even that is possible these days.

If the Kelly Cup Finals go to a Game 7, that game will be played on June 3.

"This is what we live for," Fort Myers resident and Everblades fan Paul LeBrun said. "Baseball? Football? Forget it. It's a long summer without hockey."

LeBrun was in the arena Friday morning to watch the Everblades work out on a practice rink. He and his wife, Nancy, plan to be in the building tonight for the series opener.

Standing room-only tickets remained for Game 1 as of Friday.

The Everblades have led the league in attendance for five consecutive years. The team has been in the playoffs every year since it opened in the 1998-99 season. This is the second successive season the Everblades have reached the championship round, a league first. They lost to the Idaho Steelheads last year.

On the ice and at the box office, the Everblades have done well.

"They've been a model team in our league for several years along with several others," ECHL Commissioner Brian McKenna said.

Paul and Nancy LeBrun are hooked on the game and the players and help make the Everblades a success. For them, it begins with the players.

"Very friendly and polite," Nancy LeBrun said.

Joanne Hemminger, 40, drove to the arena Friday from her home in Pompano Beach to attend practice. She is working this weekend in her job as a medical assistant and won't be able to make it to Game 1 tonight or Game 2 on Sunday.

She attended her first Everblades game around Thanksgiving last year and is hooked.

"They play with a lot of heart and a lot of passion," Hemminger said, standing by a practice rink as the Everblades worked out and a puck thudded into the boards.

The Everblades were a hit from their inaugural season. The average home crowd for the 1998-99 season was 6,370. The average crowd for the recently concluded regular-season was 6,207. The arena's listed seating capacity for hockey is 7,080.

"The pleasant surprise for us was the number of people who had never seen a game who got absolutely hooked on it once they came into the building," Brush said.

The Everblades were 45-20-5 in their first season and won their initial playoff series. A trend was established. They have won at least 10 more games than they have lost in every season. They do that while consistently selling more tickets than any team in the ECHL.

"They keep their eye on the ball," McKenna said.

On the ice and off. The Everblades keep drawing fans by providing competitive teams and, according to McKenna, the right atmosphere.

"It's attention to details," McKenna said. "It's many different things. It's paying attention to season-ticket holder needs. It's a clean, friendly environment. Good environment. Good food. Lively atmosphere in the building. Safe, well-lit parking lot."

Numerous factors were in place when the puck was dropped for the first time in 1998.

"I think it starts out with a great marketplace," Brush said.

The Everblades are located in a booming area. Lee County's population, for example, has grown from about 441,000 in 2000 to roughly 520,000 now. Collier County's population is about 316,000, up from about 250,000 in 2000.

That's a combined population of 836,000 in the two counties. Germain Arena is located at a convenient spot for fans in both counties, little more than a slap shot from Interstate 75 at the Corkscrew Road exit.

"That was one of the key things that made a difference for us," Brush said. "We wanted to be between Fort Myers and Naples."

The athletic and financial success of the franchise has made the team and arena hot property. It was reported earlier this year that the team and arena are for sale.

The focus now, of course, is winning the Kelly Cup.

"I don't know who would enjoy it more, the players or the fans," Everblades forward Matt Pagnutti said. "I think both sides are so deserving at this point. It's just such a fantastic place to play."

The Everblades are well aware of the fans.

"It's a great place to play," forward Brent McDonald said. "We got great fans. Whether it's a weekday or weekend, the fans come and watch us play. They're probably the best fans in the league. That always makes it great as a player.

"It makes you want to win it for their sake."


A great special section in the Naples Daily News can be found here:

http://web.naplesnews.com/05/05/everblades.html

I believe the hard copy had an 8 page section.

I had the chance to meet the NDN's beat writer, Andy Kent, in Charlotte last weekend. A very devoted writer and impressive that they began sending their own writer to the away games during the 2nd round. Impressive for ECHL coverage.

[guinevere]

You aren't talking to yourself...I'm interested. :)

[Canesluver]

Well, all I've done is look up scores, but Trenton seems to be smokin' the Blades --

Trenton won 7-0 on Saturday, and 2-1 today.

Oh, well.....

[nccanes]

I was out of town both days and didn't get home in time to listen except for a few minutes of Game 1. What a horrible showing (or lack of showing) that was. I know Brad Fast sat for Game 1, guess that wasn't a wise decision.

Anyway, they were leading into the 3rd yesterday 1-0, but Trenton scored 2 goals in the 3rd. Apparently 2 defensive breakdowns and viola - 2 goals.

Blades lost the first 2 at home last year in the finals and ended up losing the series 4-1. Wonder if they can rally back.

It's gotta suck for the players, they've done SO well and just knew this 2nd trip back was going to have a different ending - but so far the 2nd verse is same as the first.

:sick:

[nccanes]

Blades on the ropes. Down 2-4 late in the 3rd. About to go down to Trenton 0-3. Ouch.

I haven't been able to listen for any length of time during this series, but I just heard that the are 0 fer on PP goals the entire series. Does that sound like the Canes or what?

LMAO - as I type this, Surma scored on the PP - first one of the series. Now they are down 3-4 with 5 minutes left. Could be a huge comeback if they tie it up - or could totally suck if they lose it. :beatup:

[nccanes]

WOW - they scored again - 51 seconds apart. Perhaps I should listen more often.

Blades tied 4-4 in the 3rd. Apparently Fast shot a rocket from the blueline and scored!

Hmm, I really would like to go to bed, but I think I need to do my part, lol.


EDIT!

Woo-hoo - I can go to bed. The 'Blades win in OT. The series stands at 2-1 now. Blades are perfect in OT, 5 OT wins. 1:20 in.

[puck_it]

yay!

[goalie33]

Looks like a little Liverpudlian magic came the Everblades' way tonight.

[Canesluver]

Okay, Missy NCC -- where's your report? Hmmm? ;)

I gues it's up to me to say,

"Blades WIN 6 to 3 last night!!! Woo! Woo! Woooo!!"

Goals scored by Lundbohm (2), O'Connell, Surma, Cabana (PP), and Berg. Surma also contributed an assist, as did Brad Fast. And although the score was 6-3, and only 1 goal was a PP, for some reason the scoresheet says the Blades were 7 of 11 in PP conversions. :eek2:

SERIES TIED-UP!! 2 - 2 !!!


Trenton, NJ – The Florida Everblades earned their second straight come-from-behind victory with a 6-3 effort over the Trenton Titans at Sovereign Bank Arena. The win evened the best-of-seven series a two apiece.

The Titans once again jumped out to a pair of two-goal leads before allowing the Everblades to storm back into the contest. It was Trenton that grabbed the quick advantage collecting two first period tallies, including defenseman Michael Schutte’s power play goal just 1:15 into the contest. The Titans extended that lead to 2-0 at 15:43 of the opening frame on Nick Deschenes’ eight goal of the post-season.

The Everblades trimmed the Titan lead to one at 2:26 of the second period when a Steve Saviano shot glanced off the skate of David Lundbohm and past Trenton net-minder Andrew Allen. The Titans answered right back after Scott Bertoli slipped a shot past Florida goalie Tyler MacKay just 1:25 later to re-gain the two-goal advantage. From there, the Everblades blitzed the Titans with five straight goals, which chased Allen from the net.

The string of goals began with Tim O’Connell sneaking a shot past Allen from the center-ice line to cut the Trenton lead to 3-2. Florida tied the game in a 4-on-4 situation when Damian Surma banked a shot off a Trenton defender and into the net at 16:21 of the middle period.

In the third period the Everblades tacked on three more tallies by Lundbohm, Paul Cabana and Reggie Berg. Through the first four games of the series, the road team has won each game.

The road win raised the Everblades record to 7-1 in the playoffs. MacKay (9-5) picked up the win in goal for the Everblades after he turned away 29 Trenton shots. Allen suffered the loss allowing all six goals on 37 shots over the 51:14 he played. Chris Houle came in off the bench and saw his first action in the series, stopping all six shot he faced. The Everblades closed out the night 1-for-12 on the power play, while the Titans finished 1-for-7 on the man advantage.

The Everblades and Titans play game five of the Kelly Cup Finals on Monday, May 30 at 5:00 p.m. from Sovereign Bank Arena in Trenton, NJ. Monday’s game will once again be broadcast on UPN-8 television. Tickets for game 6 of the Kelly Cup Finals at Germain Arena on Wednesday, June 1 are on sale now. Fans can stop by the Germain Arena box office beginning at 12:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 29 and as well between 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Monday, May 30. Tickets for playoff game “K” can also be purchased over the phone by calling TicketMaster at (239) 334-3309 or on line by visiting www.ticketmaster.com. 3 STARS: 1) – David Lundbohm – FLA 2) – Paul Cabana – FLA 3) – Brad Church – FLA

[nccanes]

Thank you CL!! We went out to dinner and took in Star Wars Ep. III last night (I can finally go into that thread now, lol).

Sounds like quite a night - they came from behind (again) and then just buried them in the 3rd period.

Game 6 is in Trenton tomorrow.:)

[nccanes]

Yesterday was Trenton's turn to have a huge comeback. The Blades were playing great thru 2 periods and were up 2-0 (thought it seems like it should have been more). Then they gave up FIVE 3rd period goals with Trenton winning 5-2. Horrible collapse.

The final 2 games are at home, Game 6 is Wednesday.

This series has been some wild swings in momentum, game to game, and even period to period. Who knows what will happen on Wed.