Marquardt's Two Goals Sparks Rally Over Reading

ESTERO, FL- Ryan Martindale scores the game winning goal for the Everblades in the sixth round of a shootout to give the Florida Everblades the 3-2 victory over the Reading Royals Wednesday night at Germain Arena. Florida rallied from a two-goal third period deficit to earn the win.

In the first period back at Germain Arena in two weeks, the Everblades dominated the Royals in shots on goal 11-4, but were unable to put one in the net even after two power play chances.

After a scoreless first period, the Royals came out and shifted momentum in their favor, scoring two goals in the first five minutes of the second period.

2:26 into the second frame, Cam Reid screamed a centering pass from Justin Crandall from behind the net past Daniel Altshuller for the opening goal of the night.

Three minutes later, the Royals added another when Scott Tanski put in a rolling puck off a rebound from Altshuller’s glove putting the Royals up 2-0.

After a stagnate end to the second period, the Everblades battled their way back into the game in the third thanks to the captain Matt Marquardt.

One minute and a half into the final frame, Marquardt found the back of the net from below the left wing circle to score the first goal of the night for the Everblades. Marquardt’s shot banked off the body of Reading netminder Connor Knapp and into the net.

With just three minutes left in the game, Marquardt added another to the board as he found the net on his own rebound from a tough angle from the right side of the crease to tie the game up at two.  The tally eventually sent the game to overtime.

After an eventful, but scoreless 3-on-3 overtime session, the Everblades and Royals went into a shootout, where Martindale was able to put one past Knapp in the sixth-round to seal the deal for the Everblades 3-2.

Altshuller earned the win stopping 26 of 28 shots, as well as all six shooters in the overtime shootout.  Knapp takes the loss despite a solid outing allowing two goals on 35 shots.

The Everblades and Royals are back at it again Friday night Dec. 11 at Germain Arena. Game time is set at 7:30 p.m.

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

Upcoming Home Games

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###