ESTERO, FL -- Prior to Friday's game with the Orlando Solar Bears, the Everblades along with President and General Manager Craig Brush conducted a ceremony retiring the beloved #9 jersey of Ernie Hartlieb.
Hartlieb's family was in attendance and took part in the ceremony, as the #9 was raised to the rafters at Germain Arena to join the likes of Everblades greats Tom Buckley's #14, and Reggie Berg's #10.
No player has appeared in more Everblades games than Hartlieb, who played in 350 contests from 2004-2011. Ernie ranks high on many all-time team records, which includes being tied for first in power play goals (33), third in points (257), third in assists (171), fifth in goals (86) and fifth in penalty minutes (345).
The Everblades would like to thank Ernie Hartlieb for all of the memories on the ice, and his service as an outstanding citizen to the communities of Southwest Florida.
Congrats Big Ern!