Everblades Top Gladiators in Shootout 3-2

ESTERO, FL – Andy Iles stopped 30 of 32 shots, including all three shots in the overtime shootout to help lead the Florida Everblades to a 3-2 victory over the Gwinnett Gladiators Wednesday night at Germain Arena.

Having failed to record a power play goal in their previous five games, the Everblades wasted little time on Wednesday lighting the lamp while on the man advantage.   Newcomer Jesse Graham gathered the puck at the top of the right wing circle, and skated the puck all the way to the top of the crease.  Graham slid a backhand shot under the leg pad of Gwinnett netminder Mark Guggenberger for the game’s first goal at 2:53 of the first period.

Florida added to its lead when Jordan Henry delivered the puck to the crease to a wide open Brant Harris who instantly angled the puck into the Gwinnett net. The goal was the third for Harris in the last two games, as the ‘Blades took a 2-0 edge.

The Gladiators battled back in a two-minute span in the middle frame.  Casey Pierro-Zabotel fielded a pass in stride at the top of the crease, and swung the puck around Florida goaltender Andy Iles for the tally.

Moments later, Gerry Nunn slid a pass across the ice to Brendan Walker on the right wing.  Walker skated toward the net and lifted a shot over the shoulder of Iles to even the game at two.

Gwinnett outshot the ‘Blades 14-7 in the third, but Iles turned aside everything shot that came is way to keep the game tied at two at the end of  regulation.

Gwinnett received a power play opportunity in the extra session, but Iles again made three clutch saves to keep the game alive for Florida.

In the shootout, Iles was again stellar, stopping all three Gwinnett shooters faced. The Everblades received shootout markers from Matt Marquardt, Alex Lavoie, and the game clinching goal from Mitch Wahl as the Everblades sealed the 3-2 victory.

Iles stopped 30 of 32 shots, while Guggenberger takes the loss allowing two goals on 29 shots.

VIDEO: To watch the game highlights from Wednesday's game CLICK HERE

The Everblades continue their homestand thsi Friday and Saturday against the South Carolina Stingrays (details listed below). 

Upcoming Home Games & Promotions

This Friday and Saturday is Pink In the Rink Weekend, presented by Radiology Regional.  The Everblades will wear specially designed pink jerseys for breast cancer awareness.  The jerseys will be auctioned off following Saturday's game with the proceeds benefiting local cancer charities.  Fans are encouraged to wear pink this weekend.

Friday, February 27 vs. South Carolina, 7:30 p.m.Saturday, February 28 vs. South Carolina, 7:00 p.m. -- McDonald's Tailgate Party starts at 5:00 p.m. featuring live music, bounce houses, and face painting for the kids!  Postgame jersey auction!

Wednesday, March 4, vs. Cincinnati, 7:30 p.m. --  $2 drafts, $2 wines, $2 hot dogs all night long in the concourse! It’s also College Night!  College Students can purchase $5 tickets w/ free parking with college I.D.Hearts & Hockey Ticket Packs are still available for just $50!*T-Shirt*Autographed Puck*4-Endzone Ticket Vouchers which can be redeemed for any game this season.

To order, call 239-948-7825, or stop by the Everblades main office at Germain Arena. Hearts & Hockey Packs are also available on game nights at the Everblades information table located in the concourse.

Ticket Information

Game Tickets: Everblades tickets may be purchased at the Century Link Prism Box Office located at Germain Arena, or at any Ticketmaster outlet, or online atwww.ticketmaster.com

Discounted 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.