GAMEDAY MAGAZINE: Opening Night!

Who: Florida Everblades (0-0-0-0) vs. Atlanta Gladiators (0-0-0-0)Where: Germain ArenaWhen: 7:30 p.m.Tickets: Purchase Now Online CLICK HERE, or at the Florida Community Bank Box OfficeSeason Series:  Tonight marks the first of ten meetings this season.All-Time Series:  Florida leads 63-47-14Radio Broadcast: 770 AM (WJBX-AM) Internet Radio:  Free online stream available at ECHL.TV (once on page, click the headphone icon to access stream).  Internet Television: ECHLTV, courtesy of Neulion Special Promotions:  It's Opening Weekend, presented by The Passion Foundation! It's a Black Out Weekend as well, so wear black to the games!  The first 5,000 fans will receive a FREE Everblades magnet schedule courtesy of Jack's Cleaning Services!  Kids eat free at Breakaway Sports Pub with the purchase of an adult entree!

About Tonight’s Game: Tonight’s ECHL South Division matchup features the Florida Everblades and the Atlanta Gladiators.  The two division rivals renew their acquaintances in the season opener as members of the South Division.  Last season, the two competed in the East Division, but return to the South Division this season after the league realigned this summer.  The Everblades are coming off a 49-win season which was highlighted by capturing the East Division crown.  Formerly known as the Gwinnett Gladiators, the newly named Atlanta Gladiators are looking to rebound from a disappointing 20-win season a year ago and restore the winning tradition the team has accrued over the past decade.

The Everblades enter the season with hopes of orchestrating another successful season, and attempt to move further in the ECHL postseason after falling to the South Carolina Stingrays in the second round of the Kelly Cup Playoffs last May.  Several key players return this season including newly named Captain Matt Marquardt.  Evan Bloodoff returns after logging a 20-goal season, while Mike Aviani (25 pts) and Brant Harris (43 pts) are back after productive rookie campaigns.  On the back end, Mike Cornell brings leadership and toughness to the team. Rookie Brendan O’Donnell was impressive in two preseason appearances scoring twice including an overtime winner last Friday.  The current Everblades roster features over 1,200 AHL games played experience.

The Gladiators cleaned house as the ECHL trade deadline approached last March.  The team brought in a lot of fresh faces and talent to the table, and should be greatly improved this season.  Thomas Frazee was acquired by the team from Greenville, and is coming off a 41-point season. Forward Garry Nunn registered 65 points in 2014-15 while with Ontario (21 pts) and the Gladiators (44 pts). The ‘Blades will need to be mindful of Nunn when he is on the ice.   Atlanta’s roster is comprised of three former Everblades in Joe Stejskal, Mike Merrifield, and recently signed goaltender Andy Iles.

Ticket Information

Game Tickets: Everblades tickets may be purchased at the Florida Community Bank 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.

Full and Partial Season Ticket Packages: We off full and partial season ticket plans that will save your money and fit your budget and schedule. . For more information, call 239-948-7825, or stop by the team's main office located at Germain Arena from Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Fans may also stop by our sales tables located in the concourse at Everblades games. .

The Everblades are the proud ECHL affiliateof the NHL's Carolina Hurricanes###