Monarchs Power Past Everblades

Release Written by Robert Molnar

MANCHESTER, NH – David Kolomatis had a pair of goals while Zac Lynch also added a goal and an assist to lead the Manchester Monarchs (11-4-0-1, 23 pts) to a 7-3 victory over the Florida Everblades (10-2-1-2, 23 pts) on Wednesday night at SNHU Arena.

Pressuring the Everblades early on in the opening period, Manchester took the early 1-0 advantage off a nice shot from Quentin Shore. Getting the puck down into the Florida zone, Cory Ward sent the puck cross ice to a waiting Shore. Setting up in the slot, Shore sent his quick shot flying past Everblades goaltender Anthony Peters and into the net.

As the game progressed into the later parts of the opening frame, a string of penalties saw the ‘Blades have three men sitting in the penalty box. Taking advantage of this situation, the Monarchs scored a pair of power play goals to take a 3-0 lead.

The first of those power play tallies came at the 18:46 mark of the first period as Zac Lynch and the Monarchs took advantage of the 5-on-3 time to double their lead. Attempting to screen Anthony Peters, Lynch managed to get just enough of his stick on the puck to deflect it past Peters.

Just 17-seconds later, David Kolomatis scored the second of the two power play goals. Taking advantage of the shocked ‘and frustrated Blades defensemen, David Kolomatis fired a hard shot from the point that managed to find its way through traffic and stick itself into the back of the net.

Despite that onslaught of goals from the Monarchs, the ‘Blades refused to go away quietly. Getting possession in the Manchester zone, Alexander Kuqali took a shot from the point skimmed along towards the net. In a case of right place, right time, the puck deflected off the skate of Mike Ferrantino and headed into the net with just 17-seconds remaining in the period.

Despite that goal late in the opening period, the ‘Blades failed to take advantage of any momentum that gave them. Just over three-minutes into the second period, Machester extended their lead to 4-1. Getting in behind the Florida net, Daniel Ciampini found an open Rihards Bukarts in the high slot. Receiving the pass, Bukarts ripped his shot high into the net.

Continuing to showcase their fighting spirit, the Everblades took advantage of a neutral ice turnover to again cut the lead to two. Forcing a turnover, Michael Kirkpatrick gave the puck off to John Wesley. Firing his shot, the puck was initially saved by Sam Brittain. However, the rebound fell right to the stick of John McCarron who backhanded the puck over the pad of Britain.

Again though, the ‘Blades could not take advantage of any momentum they had created. Just over a minute later, the Monarchs again extended their lead to three goals off another powerful shot from David Kolomatis. Getting just past the blue line, Kolomatis let loose and incredibly powerful shot that blazed past Peters and into the net. The goal would also be Peters’ last action of the game as he was replaced by newcomer Matt Skoff.

Much like the last series of goals had occurred, the ‘Blades again attempted to get back into the game as newcomer Matt Hatch scored his first as a member of the Everblades to again pull Florida within two. Fighting for the puck down in the corner, Matt Berry picked up the puck and flung it towards Hatch in the slot. Receiving the puck, Hatch buried the puck past the glove of Sam Brittain.

As the team’s entered the third period, the ‘Blades did all they could to try and tie the game. Despite some fireworks.at the end of the game, the ‘Blades could not keep Manchester from icing the game late. Goals from Matt Leitner and Jordan LaValle-Smotherman late in the third period put the final nails in the coffin as Manchester sealed the 7-3 win.

Sam Brittain had a great night in goal for Manchester, earning the win after stopping 39 of the 42-shots he faced. Anthony Peters’ suffers the loss in goal for the ‘Blades, allowing five goals on 19-shots. Newcomer Matt Skoff also saw his first action as a member of the Everblades, stopping 12 of the 14-shots he faced.

BOX SCORE

Following a one day break to celebrate Thanksgiving, the ‘Blades will again take on the Manchester Monarchs this Friday night at the SNHU Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Eastern time. Fans can catch the game broadcast on WJBX News, Talk & More on 101.5-FM.104.3-FM, 770-AM or by CLICKING HEREUpcoming Home Games & PromotionsSaturday, December 3 vs. Orlando, 7:00 p.m. – Join us from 5-7 p.m. for the pregame tailgate featuring live music and bounce houses for the kids!

Wednesday, December 7 vs. Elmira, 7:30 p.m. – $2 Wednesdays! $2 Beers, Wines & Hot Dogs all night long!  Wednesday's are also College Night.  College students receive a $5 ticket w/ free parking when they present their College ID at Germain Arena.

Friday, December 9 vs. Elmira, 7:30 p.m. – Kids eat FREE in the Breakaway Sports Pub with the  purchase of an adult entree!

Saturday, December 10 vs. Elmira, 7:00 p.m. – Annual IBERIABANK Teddy Bear Toss!  Fans are encouraged to bring a new teddy bear or stuffed animal to the game to throw onto the ice when the Everblades score their first goal.   All of the teddy bears will be rounded up and delivered to local children's charities for the holidays!

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.com2016-17 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.

Special Offer!  Purchase any new ticket package for the 2016-17 season, and receive a $20 gift card from Ford's Garage!  Locations include Cape Coral, Downtown Fort Myers and Miromar Outlets in Estero.

Discounted Group Tickets: Bring your group of 10 or more to a game at a discounted price, and you ma also receive an Everblades souvenir! Group tickets are available for all home games. For more information on group tickets, call 239-948-7825.

This release courtesy of Fort Myers Technical College & Cape Coral Technical College

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