'Blades Busy Thursday As Trade Deadline Closes

EVERBLADES ACQUIRE KOGER & KNOWLTON; SIGN FORWARD DITTMER

ESTERO, FL – Florida Everblades President and General Manager Craig Brush along with Head Coach Greg Poss announced several transactions on Thursday prior to the close of today’s ECHL trade deadline.

The Everblades have acquired forward Daniel Koger (pictured) from the Bakersfield Condors in exchange for future considerations.  Florida also sent forward Aaron Bogosian to the Toledo Walleye to complete the terms of the trade involving Olivier Dame-Malka back on January 28. As part of that deal, Toledo also sends forward Patrick Knowlton to the ‘Blades.  In addition, the team also announced that it has agreed to terms with forward Tyler Dittmer to an amateur tryout contract.

Koger, 23, joins the Everblades having posted 19 points in 56 games played this season split between Bakersfield and the South Carolina Stingrays.  The 6-2, 195-pound winger totaled 33 points (11g, 22a) in 34 appearances split between the Cincinnati Cyclones and South Carolina last season.  In addition, Koger logged two assists in 16 American Hockey League games last season in stints with St. John’s, Providence, Milwaukee, and Hershey.

The Szekesfehervar, Hungary native totaled 52 points (29g, 23a) in 64 games played with the Laredo Bucks of the Central Hockey League during the 2010-11 season.

Knowlton, 26, joins Florida having posted 11 points (2g, 9a) in 22 games played with the Walleye this season. The 5-10, 180-pound forward also registered 28 points (15g, 13a) this season for the Pensacola Ice Flyers (SPHL).  Last season, Knowlton played in 15 ECHL games logging three points split between Gwinnett and Colorado. The Colorado Springs, Colorado native played four seasons at Sacred Heart University totaling 82 points (24g, 58a) from 2008-2011.

Bogosian heads to Toledo having posted 26 points (11g, 15a) and 146 penalty minutes for Florida this season.  Malka has accumulated 18 points (7g, 11a) and 133 penalty minutes this season split between Bakersfield, Toledo, and Florida.

Dittmer, 25, signs with the Everblades having concluded his four-year collegiate career at the University of Manitoba. The 5-10, 180-pound winger posted 28 points (15g, 13a) in 26 appearances this season for the Bison.  Dittmer totaled 76 points (38g, 38a) at Manitoba from 2009-2013.

The Brandon, Manitoba native played registered 105 points (60g, 45a) during his four seasons with the Brandon Wheat Kings of the WHL (2004-2008). Dittmer joins college teammate Jesse Deckert who was signed by the Everblades to an amateur tryout contract on Wednesday.

The ‘Blades road swing continues in Fort Wayne on Friday. Game time is set for 8:00 p.m. EST.  The game will be broadcast on 96 K-Rock (96.1 FM).

The Everblades next home game is Wednesday, March 13 against the South Carolina Stingrays.  It will be the final Wednesday game of the regular season, and the fan’s last chance to enjoy $2 drafts, $2 wines, and $2 hot dogs all night long!

Ticket Information: The Capital Bank Box Office is open Monday thru Friday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Fans may also call Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000, or order online at www.ticketmaster.com

Group discounts are also available, and can save fans up $8 off per ticket from the normal box office price. For more information on all available packages, call the Everblades office at 239-948-7825

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