Eagles Soar Past 'Blades in Fight-FIlled Affair

Recap Written by Robert Molnar

LOVELAND, CO –Darryl Bootland scored twice while Kris Lazaruk made 32 saves to lead the Colorado Eagles to a 5-1 win over the Florida Everblades at the Budweiser Events Center Saturday night.

The Eagles would strike first in the game, taking their first lead of the week against the Everblades 9:45 into the first period. Dumping the puck into the Everblades’ zone, Eagles’ forward Jake Marto forced a turnover behind the Florida goal. A quick pass to the front of the net by Marto would be quickly buried by Trent Daavettila for a 1-0 Colorado lead.

The Eagles power play unit would then go to work early into the second period. At the 2:48 mark, Colorado’s Darryl Bootland turned home a rebound that came off of a Jake Marto shot that was initially saved by Anthony Peters.

The Eagles continued to pressure the Everblades following the goal. Back on the power play, the Eagles once again converted with the extra man. Off another rebound, Ludwig Karlsson smashed the puck past Peters to give the Eagles a 3-0 lead.

The third period would not go much better for the Everblades. A turnover off the opening faceoff would see Kyle Kraemer find the back of the net only 12-seconds into the final period. Colorado later added a fifth goal when Darryl Bootland tipped a shot from Channing Boe past Anthony Peters for his second of the night.

Attempting to avoid a shutout, the Everblades eventually got their opportunity. Rushing into the attacking zone, Matt Willows found Ethan Werek on a pass into the zone. Werek blazed past the defense and after a deke move, he unleashed a fiery shot to finally beat Kris Lazaruk.

Late in the game, tempers would begin to flare. With 19-seconds remaining in the game, Darryl Bootland would begin to attack Everblades goaltender Anthony Peters. Escaping from the building pile of combatants, Peters would then head down the ice to square off with his counterpart Kris Lazaruk.

Less than ten second after the conclusion of the previous scrum, more fights would break out between the Everblades and the Eagles. In total, both teams combined for 190 penalty minutes on 43 penalties on the night.

Kris Lazaruk was phenomenal in goal for the Eagles, stopping 32 of the 33 shots he faced. Anthony Peters suffers the loss after surrendering five goals on 22 shots.

To view the full box score CLICK HEREThe Florida Everblades return to the ice Wednesday night when they travel to the CenturyLink Arena in Boise, Idaho to take on the Idaho Steelheads. Puck drop is scheduled for 9:10 p.m. Eastern time. Fans can catch the game broadcast on 770 AM or online by CLICKING HEREAway Game Watch Parties 

Fans are welcome to watch all away games at New York Pizza & Pasta in North Naples, located at 11140 Tamiami Trail. North Naples, and at Cantina 109 located at Gulf Coast Town Center in Fort Myers.

Upcoming Home Games

Wednesday, December 9  vs. Reading Royals, 7:30 p.m. – $2 drafts, $2 wines, $2 hot dogs all night long! Wednesday is also College Night!  College students receive a $5 game ticket with free parking when they present their college ID at Germain Arena.

Friday, December 11 vs. Reading Royals, 7:30 p.m. – Kids eat free in Breakaway Sports Pub with purchase on an adult entree!

Saturday, December 12 vs. Reading Royals, 7:00 p.m. The Annual IBERIABANK Teddy Bear Toss Game! Don't miss the biggest game of the year!  Bring a new teddy bear or stuffed animal to the game. When the Everblades score their first goal, you can throw the teddy bears onto the ice to celebrate! We will round up all of the teddy bears and stuffed animals  and distribute them to local children's charities for the holidays.   Beginning at 5:00 p.m. we will have the tailgate party featuring live music along with bounce houses and face painting for the kids!

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 at www.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###