Everblades Extend Win Streak with 5-1 Win Over Nailers

WHEELING, WV – Newcomer Alex Aleardi finished with a goal an assist to help lead the Florida Everblades to a 5-1 victory over the Wheeling Nailers at WesBanco Arnea Saturday night.   The Everblades (12-2-0-1, 25 pts) extend their win streak to six games.(Above picture courtesy of Joe Lovell)The Everblades opened up the four-game road trip with a fast and furious start, outshooting the Nailers 13-2 in the first period.  Alex Aleardi who was assigned to the team earlier in the week from the Charlotte Checkers, registered the game’s first goal.]Aleardi picked up a turnover by the Nailers in their own end.  Aleardi swiftly cruised through the slot making several deke moves before sliding the puck around Wheeling netminder Eric Hartzell for the goal.Just 43 seconds later, Aleardi set up the second ‘Blades goal by gathering the puck along the boards and tossing it to the middle of the ice.   Forward Mike Aviani rushed to pick up the puck and skated in on goal for a scoring chance.  Aviani flipped a wrist shot high over the shoulder of Hartzell to extend the Florida lead 2-0 through the first period of play.

The Nailers took control of the momentum in the second period, following a power play goal from Zach Yuen.  Yuen one timed a shot from the point that ripped past Everblades goaltender Daniel Altshuller to pull Wheeling within one.

Florida reclaimed control of the game early in the third, when John McInnis grabbed a bouncing puck amongst a scramble in front, and batted it into the back of the net to give Florida a 3-1 edge at 2:01 of the period.

The Everblades continued to build their lead on an Artem Sergeev slapshot from blue line which clipped past Hartzell at 12:07.  Florida secured the game, netting its fifth goal on the power play when McInnis centered a pass from behind the net to Jeff Costello in the slot.  Costello went down to one knee on the shot and flexed the puck into the net for the tally to give Florida the 5-1 lead and the eventual win.

Altshuller earns the win stopping 20 of 21 shots, while Hartzell takes the loss allowing five goals on 27 shots faced.

GAME NOTES:  Alex Aleardi recorded a goal and an assist in his Everblades debut…With two assists in the contest defenseman Mike Little extends his point scoring streak to nine games.  Little has recorded 13 points (2g, 11a) during the streak which began back on November 1

The two teams will meet again on Saturday in Wheeling at 7:35 p.m.

Broadcast Information: Fans can listen to the game online at TheIslandFM,net   or watch the game online at ECHL.TV

Upcoming Home Games & Promotions

Wednesday December 10, 7:30 p.m. vs. Elmira Jackals -- Fans can enjoy $2 drafts, $2 Wines, and $2 hot dogs in the concourse all night long!  Wednesday games are alsoCollege Nights!  Students can receive a game ticket for just $5 with free parking when they present their College I.D.Friday, December 12, 7:30 p.m. vs. Indy Fuel -- Community Service Night! .Saturday, December 13, 7:00 p.m. vs. Indy Fuel -- Annual Teddy Bear Toss, presented by IBERIABANK! Fans are encouraged to bring a new or gently used stuffed animal to the game.  When the Everblades score their first goal, fans may throw those stuffed toys onto to the ice to celebrate!  The teddy bears and stuffed animals will be rounded up and delivered to local children's charities across the area for the Holidays.  This is one of the biggest events of the year, so come be a part of it!

Ticket InformationGame Tickets: Everblades tickets may be purchased at the Century Link Box Office located at Germain Arena, or at any Ticketmaster outlet, or online atwww.ticketmaster.comDiscounted Group Tickets: Bring your group of 10 or more to a game at a discounted price, and also receive an Everblades souvenir! Group tickets are available for all home games. For more information on group tickets, call 239-948-7825.2014-15 Ticket Packages are currently on sale!  12-game, and 24-game options are also available! All packages save you money from the box office price, and come with many great benefits.  For more information call  239-948-7825, or stop by the Everblades Main Office located at Germain Arena, Monday—Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.