Everblades Tame Jackals in 6-2 Victory to Open Homestand

ESTERO, FL – John McInnis (pictured above left) and Mitch Wahl each scored twice as the Florida Everblades defeated the Elmira Jackals 6-2 at Germain Arena Wednesday night. With the win, the Everblades (15-3-0-1, 31pts) take sole possession of first place in the East Division.

For the third consecutive game, the Everblades seized control of a 2-0 lead or better in the first five minutes of the game.  On Wednesday, it took just 11 seconds for the ‘Blades to score the game’s first goal.   Chris Kushneriuk delivered a shot off the pad of Elmira netminder Travis Fullerton.  The rebound bounced directly to Adam Brace in the slot who fired the puck into the net for the early 1-0 Florida lead.

Nearly four minutes later, Mitch Wahl made it 2-0, on his fifth goal of the season.  Wahl one-timed a drive from the circle that clipped past Fullerton.

The Jackals were held without a shot on net for nearly 13 minutes in the first period, but was able to pull within one on just their second shot on net when Matt Tassone stuffed the puck at the top of the crease past an unsuspecting Allen York.   The 2-1 score held through the first 20 minutes.

The ‘Blades exploded for three more tallies in the second period.  Alex Lavoie set up the first one with a patient play low in the slot.  Lavoie waited to pass until he had skated around a sliding defender in front.  Lavoie steered a pass to the top of the crease to forward John McInnis who tapped the puck into the net for the goal.

Nearly 45 seconds later, Florida made it 4-1 on a breakaway tally by Wahl.  Wahl waltzed into the zone on the 1-on-1 chance and wristed a shot low past the glove of Fullerton for his second strike of the contest.

Florida took a commanding 5- 1 lead on the power play at 14:47 when McInnis caught he puck after a faceoff win and flipped a backhanded shot into the net for his second tally of the night.

Florida held Elmira in check for a majority of the final period, but Tassone recorded his second marker of the night on the power play to pull the Jackals within three.  However, all comeback hopes were shattered just a minute later when Alex Aleardi rushed into the zone to the top of the crease, and wedged the puck around Fullerton for the sixth Florida goal.

York earned the win net stopping 18 of 19 shots faced, while Fullerton takes the loss allowing six goals on 33 shots.

The Everblades will continue their home stand on Friday at 7:30 p.m. against the Indy Fuel.  The two teams will meet again on Saturday for the IBERIABANK Teddy Bear Toss game beginning at 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 & PromotionsFriday, 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 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.