Gameday Magazine: Gladiators at Everblades Saturday, December 17, 2016

Who: Florida Everblades (16-4-1-2) vs. Atlanta Gladiators (10-13-3-1)Where: Germain ArenaWhen: 7:00 p.m.Tickets: Purchase Now Online CLICK HERE, or at the Florida Community Bank Box OfficeSeason Series:  Florida leads 3-0-0All-Time Series:  Florida leads 73-50-14Radio Broadcast:  WJBX (101.5-FM, 104.3-FM, 770-AM)Internet Radio:  Free online stream courtesy of WJBX  CLICK HEREInternet TV Broadcast:  ECHL.TV,  CLICK HERESpecial Promotions: Star Wars Night!  First 1000 fans will receive FREE lightsabers! Star Wars characters will also be on hand for photos with fans.  Fans are welcome to sport their Star Wars gear.  Tailgate party featuring live music and bounce houses for the kids takes place from 5:00-7:00 p.m.About Tonight’s Game:  After suffering their first regulation loss at home last Saturday, the Everblades rebounded with an 8-7 victory over Atlanta last night.  Florida continues to maintain a one-point division lead over second place Orlando who defeated Kalamazoo last night. Despite picking up a point in the standings last night, the Gladiators will certainly be eager to snap a six-game winless streak (0-4-2-0) this evening.

About Last Night’s Game The Everblades and Gladiators combined for 15 goals in a wild game that featured six lead changes.  Brant Harris ended the roller coaster ride with a goal at 3:00 into overtime to give Florida the 8-7 victory.

About the Everblades:  The ‘Blades have been spreading the wealth this season, as their roster features five players with a least 23 points.  Michael Kirkpatrick and John McCarron lead the way with 25 points each, while Brant Harris (24 pts), Matt Berry (24 pts) and Brendan O’Donnell (23 pts) are close behind…Despite allowing a power play goal last night, Florida’s penalty kill is second in the league at home at 91.7 percent…The Everblades have scored four shorthanded goals in the last five games.

Everblades Team LeadersPoints: John McCarron, Michael Kirkpatrick (25)Goals:  Brendan O'Donnell (13)Assists: Michael Kirkpatrick (17)Plus/Minus:  Matt Mackenzie (+12)**Penalty Minutes: Dalton Smith (31)Power Play Goals:  John McCarron (3)Shorthanded Goals:  Five players tied (1)Shots: Matt Berry (76)Wins: Anthony Peters (10)Save %:  Matt Skoff (0.924)GAA: Matt Skoff (2.30)Power Play: 25th, 9-for-79, (11.4%)Penalty Kill:  9th, 64-of-75 (85.3%)** Denotes player currently called up to AHL

About the Gladiators:   Justin Buzzeo picked up two assists last night and leads the Gladiators in scoring with 32 points.  Buzzeo now ranks fourth overall in league scoring while teammate Brock Higgs ranks eighth with 31 points…Eric Neiley has three goals against Florida this season….Kent Patterson is expected to start in goal for  Atlanta tonight following an injury to Matt Ginn in last night’s game….Atlanta once again got off to a fast start last night scoring three goals in the first period.  The Gladiators have outscored their opponents 34-24 in the opening frame of games this season.

Gladiators Team LeadersPoints: Justin Buzzeo (32)Goals:  Eric Neiley (16)Assists:  Brock Higgs, (24)Plus/Minus:  Josh Atkinson (+6)Penalty Minutes:  Drew Baker (48)Power Play Goals:   Derek Nesbitt (5)Shorthanded Goals:  Several Tied (1)Shots:  Derek Nesbitt (93)Wins:  Matt Ginn (8)Save %:  Matt Ginn (0.886)GAA:  Matt Ginn (3.58)Power Play:  11th, 18-for-100 (18.0%)Penalty Kill:  27th, 68-of-90 (75.6%)** Denotes player currently called up to AHLUpcoming Home Games & PromotionsWednesday, December 21 vs. Orlando, 7:30 p.m.  – $2 Wednesday's!  $2 draft beers, $2 wines, $2 hot dogs all night long!  College Night too!  College students receive a $5 ticket with free parking when they present their college ID at Germain Arena.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###