Everblades Rally Falls Short in Wheeling

WHEELING, WV – Eric Hartzell made 40 saves to help lead the Wheeling Nailers to  3-2 win over the Florida Everblades Saturday night at WesBanco Arena. With the loss, the Everblades (12-3-0-1) see their win streak end at six games.After a scoreless and fast paced first period, it took the Nailers just 30 seconds in the second period to get on the board.   While on the power play, Riley Brace received a cross-ice feed and blasted a shot down low behind ‘Blades goaltender Allen York for the game’s first goal.

Nearly two minutes later, Brace scored again on the power play, in a near identical fashion to extend the Wheeling lead to 2-0.

Later in the period Sahir Gill slipped by the Everblades defense and wrested a shot high past York on the blocker side, to give his team the 3-0 lead after 40 minutes of play.

Eric Hartzell was nearly perfect in goal in the game stopping everything the Everblades threw at him.  That all changed at 14:52 of the third period when Florida received a power play opportunity.  Matt Mangene hurled a shot from the blue line which was tipped and redirected by Adam Brace into the net for the ‘Blades first goal.

Less than two minutes later the Everblades struck again, when Brant Harris picked up the puck and spun around and delivered toward the net.  The puck slid low on the ice and found its way into the net just past the skate of Hartzell for the tally to pull the ‘Blades within one 3-2.

Florida pulled York to allow for the extra attacker and unleashed a fury of offensive chances, but Hartzell and company were able to hold off the ‘Blades for the 3-2 win.

York takes the loss allowing three goals on 25 shots while Hartzell earns the win stopping 40 of 42 shots.

GAME NOTES:  With an assist in the contest, defenseman Mike Little extends his point scoring streak to ten games.  Little has recorded 14 points (2g, 11a) during the streak which began back on November 1…Allen York saw his eight game win streak in goal come to an end on Saturday.

The Everblades continue the road trip on Wednesday when the battle Kalamazoo at Wings Stadium.  Game time is set for 7:00 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.