Gameday Magazine: Gladiators at Everblades Friday, April 1, 2016

Who: Florida Everblades (43-21-0-2, 88 pts.) vs. Atlanta Gladiators (31-29-5-2, 69 pts)Where: Germain ArenaWhen: 7:30 p.m.Tickets: Purchase Now Online CLICK HERE, or at the Florida Community Bank Box OfficeSeason Series: Florida leads 7-1-0-0All-Time Series:  Florida leads 70-48-14Radio 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: Kids eat free in the Breakaway Sports Pub w/ purchase of adult entrée!About Tonight’s Game: The Everblades enter tonight winners of their last four games and trail first place South Carolina (89 pts) by just one point for the top spot in the South Division.  With a game in hand, Florida controls its own destiny for the division title.  Despite a strong start, Atlanta is currently battling through a tough stretch in the season.   The Gladiators have lost back-to-back games and are 2-8-0-0 in their last ten games.Last Time Out: Anthony Peters made 32 saves while newcomer Alexander Kuqali recorded the eventual game-winning goal in his professional debut to lift the Everblades to a 3-2 road victory over the Orlando Solar Bears Wednesday evening….On Tuesday, Atlanta dropped a physical 4-2 decision at South Carolina.  The game featured a combined 106 penalty minutes as several scrums and line altercations broke out.

About the Everblades: Well no doubt it has been a busy couple of weeks for the Everblades on the transaction wire.  This week the team added a pair of R.I.T standouts in defenseman Alexander Kuqali and forward Josh Mitchell. Mitchell is expected to make his pro debut tonight.  Earlier this week, defenseman Danny New was recalled by the Springfield Falcons of the American Hockey League.  Yesterday, Florida loaned defenseman Kevin Montgomery to Springfield as well…Forward Brendan O’Donnell enters tonight’s action riding a three-game goal scoring streak…Kevin Lynch leads Florida in points against Atlanta with 12 (7g, 5a).

Florida Everblades Team LeadersPoints: Matt Willows (59)Goals:  Matt Willows (22)Assists: Matt Willows (37)Plus/Minus:  Mark Nemec (+28)Penalty Minutes: Corey Cowick (102)Power Play Goals:  Matt Willows (5)Shorthanded Goals:  Brant Harris (2)*Shots: Matt Willows (211)Wins: Anthony Peters (26)Save %: Anthony Peters (.921)GAA: Anthony Peters (2.19)Power Play:  20th, 38-for-246, (15.4%)Penalty Kill:  6th, 185-of-216 (85.6%)** Denotes player currently in AHL

About the Gladiators  The Gladiators make just their second road trip of the season to Germain Arena. Florida defeated Atlanta in a pair of games on Opening Weekend back on October 16 & 17.  Despite their recent struggles, the Gladiators have several talented players on the roster.  Captain Derek Nesbitt leads the team with 25 goals and 57 points…Atlanta’s roster features three former Everblades in goaltender Matt Ginn, defenseman Joe Stejskal and forward Mike Merrifield….Seven Atlanta players have scored two goals against the ‘Blades this season.

Atlanta Gladiators Team LeadersPoints: Derek Nesbitt (57)Goals: Derek Nesbitt (25)Assists: Gary Nunn (33)**Plus/Minus: J.T. Barnett (+2)Penalty Minutes: Ian Barteaux (149)Power Play Goals: Derek Nesbitt (9)Shorthanded Goals: Max Everson (3)Shots: Derek Nesbitt (226)Wins:  Matt Ginn (14), Kent Patterson (14)Save %: Matt Ginn (.903)GAA: Matt Ginn (2.88)Power Play: 14th, 42-for-250 (16.8%)Penalty Kill: 26th, 193-of-243 (79.4%)** Denotes player currently in AHL 

Upcoming Home Games & Promotions

Saturday, April 2 vs. Atlanta, 7:00 p.m. – Star Wars Night! 

• The first 1,000 fans will receive FREE lightsabers!
• The first 100 fans will receive a FREE movie ticket to Paragon Theaters
• FREE popcorn for everyone from 6-7:00 p.m.
• Join us for a pregame ceremony prior to the game as we honor two of our own as Craig Brush & Peter Karmanos Jr. and will recognized for their Hall of Fame inductions this year!
• Following the game, Everblades Defenseman Rob Florentino will cut his long hair to benefit Wigs for 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.

2016-17 Season Ticket Plans Now Available:  Full  and flexible partial season ticket plans are  currently available for the 2016-17 season. We offer several tickets packages designed to help 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###