Everblades Aim to Keep Jaromir Jagr in South Florida

Photo Courtesy of Tyler Center

#WeWantJagr

ESTERO, FL – The ECHL’s Florida Everblades announced Monday that the team is extending a roster spot offer to longtime NHL veteran Jaromir Jagr. The invitation to join the Everblades will remain open in the event he does not reach a deal to play in the NHL for the 2017-18 season.  The offer is an attempt to bolster the roster for the team’s upcoming 20th Anniversary Season.

There has been a lot of talk and speculation in recent weeks regarding where the elite player will land next season. Numerous reports have stated that several NHL GMs have failed to return Jagr’s phone calls.  The Everblades organization is making it known that the phone lines are always open for Mr. Jagr.

“We believe this deal makes sense for both sides," said Everblades Public Relations Manager & Broadcaster Alex Reed.  “Jaromir will have the opportunity to continue to play the game that he loves, while remaining in the tropical paradise of South Florida.  From the team side, well that’s obvious. Just imagine watching number 68 skate on Germain Arena ice, with his long hair flowing behind him. The whole thing just gives us chills.”

The team understands long bus trips may not be appealing to the 45-year old veteran, but is open to an adjusted playing schedule.

“We are definitely open to a 'Weekend Warrior' contract for Jaromir,” said Reed.  “He could make the easy 90-minute drive across Alligator Alley and just play in our Friday and Saturday home games.  Heck, we will even send an intern to personally pick him up and drive him over if necessary.”

Jagr ranks second all-time in NHL history in scoring with 1,914 career points in 1,711 NHL games split between seven teams, winning two Stanley Cups titles with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1991 and 1992.  It is quite apparent that a Kelly Cup Championship needs to be added to his sterling resume.

“The NHL’s loss could become our gain,” said Reed. “He is a high-end player who wants to win, and that kind of mindset fits in well with our winning tradition.”

Jagr could join a list of several other former players who played for the Everblades after playing in the NHL.  Three-time Stanley Cup Champion, Brian Rafalski joined the Everblades for three games during the 2013-14 season.  In addition, Mark Stuart and Ryan O’Byrne also played in Southwest Florida with the ‘Blades during the NHL lockout in 2012.

Top Reasons for Jaromir Jagr to Join the Everblades

• Opportunity to play against former NHL standout Trevor Gillies.
• #68 jersey is available and has yet to be retired.
• Opportunity to dethrone Allen’s Chad Costello from winning league scoring title...again.
• $2 Wednesday’s!  ($2 hot dogs, beer & wine)
• Best fans in hockey!
• ‘Weekend Warrior” playing option.
• Many NHL Players train here in Estero, Florida each year.
• Defending South Division Champs.
• Team has made playoffs in 18 of its 19 seasons.
• “We Got Wings Baby!”
• Sleeper bus for road travel stocked with Diet Coke and muffins.
• Brawling with Orlando option.
• Even our goalies score goals here.
• Might see an alligator in the pond next to the arena.
• 20th Anniversary Season of Everblades Hockey.
• 30th Anniversary Season for the ECHL

Get Your Tickets Now in the Event that this Actually Happens! Everblades ticket packages are now on sale for the 20th season of Everblades hockey in 2017-18. We offer full season and flexible partial plans that will best fit your schedule and budget! To view pricing and benefits of all available tickets packages CLICK HERE

SPECIAL OFFER! Purchase a new ticket package for the 2017-18 season and receive a $20 gift card to Ford's Garage!

For more information call 239-948-7825, or stop by the Everblades offices at Germain Arena Monday thru Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Check out the Everblades (and maybe Jaromir Jagr?)  for opening weekend on Friday, October 13 & 14 against the Atlanta Gladiators at Germain Arena!

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

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