Everblades Hold Off Fuel for Fourth Straight Win

ESTERO, FL – Despite a third period rally by the Indy Fuel, the Florida Everblades hung on for the  3-2 victory Friday night at Germain Arena.  With the win, the Everblades (16-3-0-1, 33 pts) maintain first place in the East Division and have now won four straight contests.Once again the Everblades grabbed the first goal of the game.  Nearly seven minutes into the game, Tyson Gimblett hurled a shot from the point which was tipped and redirected into the net by Adam Brace to put the ‘Blades on top 1-0.

Florida added to its lead halfway though the second period on a perfectly set up play by defenseman Cameron Burt.  Burt delivered a saucer pass directly to the stick of Alex Aleardi at the top of the crease.  Aleardi angled the puck high into the net past the glove of Indy goaltender Eric Levine for the tally.

Five minutes later, John McInnis lifted a backhanded pass from the right wing boards all the way to the stick of Mitch Wahl at the left side of the slot.   Wahl immediately snapped a shot high into the net past Levine to propel the ‘Blades to a 3-0 lead after two periods.

Despite a three-goal deficit, the Fuel continued to fight on in the third period, and grabbed some momentum at the 2:52 mark.  The Everbades attempted to clear the puck across the ice deep in their own end, but Indy captain Mike Duco intercepted the pass and wristed the puck high into the far corner of the net past Florida netminder Allen York.

Three minutes later, the Fuel ignited a second goal on a breakaway chance by Robert Czarnik who zipped behind the defense, faked a shot on his forehand side, then switched to his backhand for a shot that clipped past York for the goal.

Despite some last minute dramatics with the extra attacker, the Fuel were unable to net the equalizer, and the Everblades held on for the 3-2 victory.

York earned his 11th win of the season stopping 15 shots, while Levine takes the loss in his second appearance of the season allowing three goals on 19 shots.

The two teams will meet again on Saturday for the IBERIABANK Teddy Bear Toss game beginning at 7:00 p.m. Fans are encouraged to arrive early.  (More game information listed below). 

Upcoming Home Games & PromotionsSaturday, 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 arrive early and be a part of it!  The Everbades will wear special Teddy Bear Toss themed jerseys which will be auctioned off  following the game to benefit the Golisano Children's Hospital.Wednesday, December 17, 7:30 p.m. vs. Gwinnett Gladiators -- Fans can enjoy $2 drafts, $2 wines, and $2 hot dogs in the concourse all night long!  Wednesday night is also College Night!  College students can receive a game ticket and free parking for just $5 when they present their College I.D.  Postgame skate with Santa!  Skate rentals will be available, or fans can bring their own skates.

Friday, December 19, 7:30 p.m. vs. Gwinnett Gladiators -- Holiday Game!   Skate with Santa and the Everblades players following the game.  Fans must bring their own skates, as skate rentals will not be available for Friday's postgame skate.

Holiday Ticket Packs are now on sale!  Receive four endzone vouchers for any game during the regular season, an Everblades holiday t-shirt, and an autograph puck for just $50!  Holiday packs will be available at the Everblades information table in the concourse during home games, or at the Everblades main office located a Germain Arena.

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.

12 & 24 Game Ticket Packages are currently on sale!  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.