Everblades Tamed by Jackals in 3-1 Loss

Written by Robert Molnar

ELMIRA, NY – Davis Vandane scored the eventual game-winning goal midway through the third period while Andy Iles made 22 saves to help lead the Elmira Jackals (10-36-6-1, 27 pts) to a 3-1 victory over the Florida Everblades (35-11-2-3, 75 pts) Friday night at the First Arena. With the win, the Jackals snap a 16-game winless streak.

Elmira opened the night’s scoring midway through the first period on a nice give-and-go play inside the Florida zone. Matt Lane moved the puck into the attacking zone and sent the puck over to Brycen Martin. Immediately receiving a return pass, Lane moved his way into the slot before wristing a quick shot past Everblades goaltender Anthony Peters.

With the rest of the opening period being a scoreless one, both teams came out in the second period looking to gain some momentum. While both the ‘Blades and Jackals had some chances, neither could manage to convert as both Anthony Peters and Elmira goaltender Andy Iles made their share of huge saves to keep the score at 1-0.

Winding down, it looked like the second period would end scoreless until the Everblades took advantage of an offensive zone faceoff to tie the game at 1-1. Following an offensive zone faceoff win, Matt Hatch came up with the puck and quickly sent a pass across to Zack Kamrass in the high slot. Seeing traffic in front of goal, Kamrass rifled the puck towards goal where it deflected off the stick of Dalton Smith and past Any Iles.

Elmira took the lead back midway through the third period.  Elmira took advantage of a mental lapse from the Everblades to take a 2-1 lead. Moving quickly into the attacking zone, Charlie Mosey brought the puck forward before dropping it back for the trailing Davis Vandane. Left all alone, Vandane wasted no time moving in towards goal before firing a wicked wrist shot into the back of the net.

Down a goal in the third period, the Everblades began to up their offense pressure with the passing second. Receiving some good goal scoring chances throughout the remaining part of the period, the ‘Blades just couldn’t find a way to beat Andy Iles.

Florida pulled the goaltender to allow for the extra attacker and threw everything they could at Elmira in an effort to tie the contest. Failing to do so, the Everblades eventually allowed an empty net goal from Elmira’s Kenton Miller, resulting in a 3-1 loss on Friday night.

Former Everblades goaltender Andy Iles was excellent in goal for Elmira and earns the win in goal for the Jackals after stopping 22 of the 23 shots he faced. Anthony Peters was also strong in goal but suffers the loss after allowing two goals on 29 shots.

BOX SCORE

The Everblades will once again faceoff against the Elmira Jackals tomorrow night at the First Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 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 & PromotionsFriday, March 3 vs. Atlanta, 7:30 p.m. – Kids eat free in the Breakaway Sports Pub with the Purchase of an Adult Entree.   The game is presented by Wendy's!

Saturday, March 4 vs. Atlanta, 7:00 p.m. – From 5-7 pm. join us for the tailgate featuring live music and bounce houses for the kids.

Wednesday, March 8 vs. Utah, 7:30 p.m. – $2 Wednesday!  Fans can enjoy $2 draft beers, $2 wines and $2 hot dogs all night long!  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.comSpecial Offer!  Purchase any new ticket package for the 2016-17 season, and receive an Everblades jersey t-shirt and a $20 gift card from Ford's Garage!  Locations include Cape Coral, Downtown Fort Myers and Miromar Outlets in Estero.  We offer several tickets packages designed to help fit your budget and schedule.

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###