'Blades Conquer Gladiators to Earn 800th Win in Club History

Written by Keaton Hanley

ESTERO, FL -- Callum Booth stopped 26 of 27 shots in his professional debut to lead the Florida Everblades (2-0-0-0) to a 3-1 victory over the Atlanta Gladiators Saturday night at Germain Arena. The win was the 800th in Everblades club history (regular season). The Everblades hold an overall record of 800-430-135.

The Gladiators scored first just 24 seconds into the game, after an odd bounce high off the glass sent the puck bouncing behind Booth and to the opposite side of the crease. Atlanta forward Colin Jacobs was waiting on the puck and jammed it into the back of the net for the early 1-0 edge.

The ‘Blades were quick to answer with a goal of their own just 32 seconds later. Michael Kirkpatrick was stationed just outside the crease of goalie Dan Vladar when he received a pass from Stephen MacAulay. Kirkpatrick, with ease, was able to deflect the puck into the net, and just like that the game was tied once again.

Florida’s power play connected for the second straight game.  Clark Seymour hammered a shot from the point that made its way to Vladar who made the save. However, the rebound instantly angled to the stick of Mitchell Heard, who swept the puck into the net for the go-ahead marker.  The ‘Blades held their 2-1 lead at the end of the first period.

The Gladiators gifted Florida a 5-on-3 power play early in the second period and the ‘Blades were sure to capitalize. Steven Lorentz potted his first professional goal off a deflection from a from Seymour slapshot from the point. With the goal, the Blades took a 3-1 lead with them into the second intermission.

To a similar beat as on Friday night, the Everblades controlled much of the third period play, frustrating the Gladiators as they tried to establish an offensive zone presence.  The ‘Blades used a sturdy, hard hitting, defensively minded style of play to lock down the game. When Atlanta was able to break toward the net, Callum Booth was there to turn all opportunities aside to help secure the 3-1 victory.

Florida will now travel to Duluth, Georgia to take on the Gladiators for a pair of games next Friday (Oct. 20) and Saturday (Oct. 21).   Fans can catch all of the action on WJBX (101.5 FM, 104.3 FM, 770-AM) or online by CLICKING HERE.  Fans can also watch the game on a subscription basis on ECHL.TVUpcoming Home Games

Wednesday, October 25 vs. Indy, 7:30 p.m.  $2 Hot Dogs, Beer and Wins all night long!

Friday, October 27 vs. Indy, 7:30 p.m.  Kids 12 and under eat free in the Breakaway Sports Pub with the purchase of an adult entree. (Promo good for every Friday game this season)

Saturday, October 28 vs. Indy, 7:00 p.m.  "Sweets in the Suites" Kids in Halloween costumes can trick-or-treat in the luxury suites during the intermission!

Ticket Information

2017-18 Ticket Packages are Currently on Sale!  We offer full season and flexible partial plans that will best fit your schedule and budget!  To view pricing and benefits of all available ticket 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!

Discounted Group Tickets: Bring your group of 10 or more to a game at a discounted price!  Group tickets are available for all home games. Fundraising opportunities are also available. For more information on group tickets, 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.

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