EVANSVILLE, IN -- Adam Brace netted his 30th goal of the season and added an assist as the Florida Everblades defeated the Evansville IceMen 7-3 at the Ford Center Saturday night. The Everblades (43-13-2-4, 92 pts) extended their win streak to ten games.
The Everblades got on the board first at 5:26 of the opening frame. Alex Lavoie delivered a soft shot from the right wing boards, but the puck hit off the stick of teammate Steven Whitney and deflected past Evansville netminder Alex Vazzano for the goal.
Nealrly 90 seconds later, Jesse Graham perfectly steered a pass from the bottom of the right wing circle to Mitch Wahl at the opposite wing. Wahl immediately batted the puck into the net behind Vazzano to extend the 'Blades lead to 2-0.
Jordan Sims got the IceMen on the board just 29 seconds into the second period on a wrist shot from the left wing circle that beat Florida goaltender Andy Iles five-hole for the tally.
Just 19 seconds later, the 'Blades converted on a power play chance. Ray Kaunisto threw a puck from a tough angle off the pads of Vazzano, but the rebound bounced directly in front to Lavoie who shoved the puck into the net to put the score at 3-1.
The Everblades made it 4-1 on a rip from the slot by Cameron Burt at 6:01 of the period.
Evansville refused to go away, as just eight seconds later, Marc Anthoine scored his sixth of the season to pull the IceMen within two.
Despite the goal, Florida countered three minutes later. Kaunisto stole the puck away on a turnover in the IceMen end and delivered a pass across the slot to Spencer Pommells. Pommells angled the puck high into the net to complete the quick passing play and record his first professional goal. The Everblades took the 5-2 lead into the second break.
Evansville kept their hopes alive at 7:43 of the third, when it received a 5-on-3 power play opportunity. Brandon Martell blasted a shot from the point that slipped past the leg pad of Iles for the tally to put the score at 5-3
Three minutes later, Adam Brace netted his 30th goal of theseason to put Florida back on top by three, while Pommells netted his second of the game to secure the 7-3 victory.
Iles earned the win stopping 29 of 32 shots, while Vazzano takes the loss in his pro debut allowing six seven goals on 35 shots.
The Everblades will continue the road trip on Sunday in Toledo against the Walleye. Game time is set for 5:00 p.m. Fans may listen online at theislandfm.net
Upcoming Home Games & Promotions
Wednesday, April 1, vs. Reading, 7:30 p.m. -- Fans can enjoy $2 hot dogs, $2 drafts, $2 wines all night long in the concourse! It’s also College Night! College Students receive $5 tickets with free parking!
Friday, April 3, vs. Reading, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 4 vs. South Carolina, 7:00 p.m. 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.