Gladiators Battle Past Everblades 4-2

ESTERO, FL – Joey Haddad scored twice to help lead the Gwinnett Gladiators to a 4-2 victory over the Florida Everblades Saturday night.  

The Everblades wore Pink in the Rink themed jerseys sponsored by RadiologyRegionalCenter that were auctioned off for charity following the game. The proceeds raised are to benefit cancer related charities.

The Everblades trailed for most of the first period but with 2:28 left to go forward Philip-Michael Devos scored on a rebound on a Olivier Dame-Malka shot tying the game at one.

The Gladiators had a chance to take the lead with a penalty shot opportunity for Josh Currie. Goaltender Mac Carruth was put to the test in his second start with the Everblades, and denied Currie’s attempt on a pad save ending the first period at a 1-1 tie..

The second period started with a goal at 1:48 from forward Brandon MacLean, who took a loose puck after a Gwinnett turnover, and slid a shot through the five-hole of goaltender Mark Guggenberger to give Florida its first lead of the game 2-1.

The Gladiators answered back less than two minutes later, tying the game at two at 10:19 of the period.  Gwinnett forward Will MacDonald found the back of the net after a pass attempt deflected off a body in front and banked into the net.

Gladiators forward Joey Haddad added an insurance goal with 1:48 remaining in the third to secure a 4-2 victory for Gwinnett.

Gladiators goaltender Mark Guggenberger lead his team to the victory stopping 24 out of 26 shots on goal. Carruth takes the loss allowing four goals on 32 shots. 

The Everblades will open up a six-game road trip next Friday at Fort Wayne at 8:00 p.m. The ‘Blades will return home on Wednesday March 26 against Evansville. The game will feature $2 hot dogs, $2 Bud Lights and $2 Barefoot Wine.  .   

For more information call 239-948-7825, or stop by the Everblades main office located at Germain Arena Office hours are Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

GAME NOTES:  Gwinnett forward Joey Haddad extended his goal scoring streak to a league high seven games. 

The Everblades are the proud ECHL affiliate of theCarolina Hurricanes and TampaBay Lightning.

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