'Blades End Trip with Hard-Fought Win

Recap written by Robert Molnar 

BOISE, ID – Matt Willows scored twice while Anthony Peters stopped 33 shots to lead the Florida Everblades (16-8-0-0, 32 pts) to a 3-1 victory over the Idaho Steelheads (7-12-4-0, 18 pts) at CenturyLink Arena Saturday night. The Everblades close out the six-game western road trip with a 4-2 mark.

The Everblades quickly opened the scoring, netting their first goal of the night at the 4:44 mark of the opening period. Getting the puck into the attacking zone, Kevin Lynch used a tremendous cross-ice pass to find an open Matt Willows at the right wing circle. A quick wrist shot to the short side of the net would beat Idaho goaltender Maxime Lagace for a 1-0 Everblades lead.

Florida added to their lead late in the first period at the 17:50 mark courtesy of Mark Nemec’s first goal of the season. The Everblades defenseman carried the puck up along the boards in the attacking zone. Dropping the puck back, Ryan Martindale  picked it up and placed a wrist shot on goal. Saved initially, Mark Nemec picked up the rebound and lifted the puck top shelf past an outstretched Maxime Lagace.

The Steelheads answered back, needing only the first 39-seconds of the second period to do so. Two Everblades penalties near the end of the first period would see Idaho go up 5-on-3. Closing in on the Everblades net, Brandon Magee  received the puck before firing a fiery slap-shot past Anthony Peters to send the Teddy Bears flying onto the ice on Idaho’s annual Teddy Bear toss night.

Some tremendous saves by Anthony Peters kept the score at 2-1 in favor of the Everblades. Peppering Peters with 14 second period shots, Idaho were in full control as the game entered the third period.

However, as each minute ticked by, so did Idaho’s chances of tying the game. Unable to beat Peters, Idaho was forced to pull the goaltender in favor of an extra-attacker. The move would not pay off for the Steelheads as a turnover in the neutral zone would see Corey Cowick finding  Matt Willows for the empty net goal at 19:11 of the third period.

Anthony Peters picks up the win in goal for the Everblades, stopping 33 of the 34 shots faced. Maxime Lagace was solid in goal for the Steelheads but takes the loss, allowing two goals on 19 shots.

The Florida Everblades return home to Germain Arena next Wednesday night to begin the first of a three game series against the visiting Reading Royals. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Eastern time. Fans can purchase tickets at the Florida Community Bank Box Office located at Germain Arena, or at any Ticketmaster outlet, or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

Fans can also catch the game broadcast on 770 AM or online by CLICKING HERE

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 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###