Skoff's First Career Shutout Guides Florida to a 1-0 Victory

ESTERO, FL – Matt Skoff stopped all 30 shots faced to earn his first career shutout and led the Florida Everblades (15-3-1-2, 33 pts) to a 1-0 victory over the Elmira Jackals (5-12-4-0, 14 pts) Friday night at Germain Arena.

VIDEO: Highlights from Friday's game. 

The first 40 minutes became a goaltender's duel as Florida’s Matt Skoff and Elmira’s Andy Iles traded off saves to keep their opponents in check.

Special teams proved to play a big part in this game as well, as both teams had numerous chances with the man advantage, but solid penalty killing stymied the scoring in the game.

Ironically, it was Florida’s penalty kill that would find some offense early in the third.   After an Eric Scheid tripping penalty, the Jackals went on the power play. However, an aggressive forechecking effort by John McCarron and Michael Ferrantino (pictured above) caused an Elmira turnover in its own end.   Ferrantino then picked up the puck and cut to the low slot. Ferrantino then carved a backhanded shot that clipped past Iles for the shorthanded tally.  Ferrantino’s fourth of the season gave Florida a 1-0 edge at 2:55 of the final stanza.

Skoff and company continued to hold back the Jackals throughout the third, including two limited 5-on-3 power play opportunities by Elmira.  Skoff turned aside all 12 shots faced in the third period to secure the 1-0 victory.

Skoff was stellar in his first start with the Everblades stopping all 30 shots faced.   Former Everblade Andy Iles takes the loss for the Jackals despite a solid outing allowing the one goal on 27 shots faced.

BOX SCORE

The two teams will meet again on Saturday at 7:00 p.m. for the Annual Teddy Bear Toss.  Details listed below.

Upcoming Home Games & Promotions

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!   The Everblades will wear special "ugly sweater" jerseys which will be auctioned off following the game!

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

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.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 may 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###