Who: Florida Everblades (0-0-0-0) vs. Atlanta Gladiators (0-0-0-0)Where: Germain ArenaWhen: 7:30 p.m.Tickets: Purchase Now Online CLICK HERE, or at the Florida Community Bank Box OfficeRegular Season Series: Tonight marks the first of ten meetings this season.All-Time Series: Florida leads 81-51-15Radio 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 HERETonight's Promotions: Tonight fans will receive a free magnet schedule courtesy of Jack's Cleaning! For every Friday game this season, Kid's eat FREE in the Breakaway Sports Pub, with the purchase of an adult entree. A pregame 20th Anniversary ceremony takes place tonight. The team will also wear throw back jerseys from their inaugural season in 1998 for both games. it will also be the first opportunity for fans to check out the new warm-up jerseys the team will wear for all home games this season, presented by Six Bends Harley-Davidson in Fort Myers.
Additionally, $1 of each individual game ticket purchased for either of this weekend's games will be donated to the Naples Zoo hurricane relief efforts. Tickets may be purchased at the Florida Community Bank Box Office located at Germain Arena, or online at Ticketmaster.
About Tonight's Game: The Everblades open up their 20th Anniversary season this evening. Prior to the game, the team will recognize past players, as well as the achievements of two decades of hockey in Southwest Florida. Subsequently, tonight also marks the opening of the ECHL's 30th Anniversary season. The Everblades and Gladiators begin the first of four consecutive head-to-head meetings to open up the season. The two teams will meet again tomorrow at 7:00 p.m., and twice more next weekend in Duluth, Georgia.
About the Everblades: The Everblades won the South Division title last season, but were knocked out of the 2017 Kelly Cup Playoffs in the second round by the South Carolina Stingrays…. The Everblades enter their 20th season just two victories shy of reaching the 800 wins mark… The ‘Blades bring back nine players who saw action with the ‘Blades least season, including high-scoring forwards Matt Berry (68 pts), John McCarron (60 pts) and Michael Kirkpatrick (58 pts)…Last weekend, the ‘Blades picked up wins in both of their preseason contests with the Orlando Solar Bears. Rookie forwards Steven Lorentz and Paul Russell stood out in the preseason scoring two goals each…. Goaltender Martin Ouellette will get the start this evening.
About the Gladiators: Atlanta enters the season with a fresh start, as the team ushers in a new era with newly named Head Coach Chuck Weber. Weber guided the Cincinnati Cyclones to Kelly Cup titles in 2008 and 2010, and will be looking to lead the Gladiators into the postseason for the first time since 2013…. Atlanta also brings back several key players from last season. Forward Derek Nesbitt returns for his third season after totaling 52 points last year. Leading the blueline is offensive defenseman Josh Atkinson who finished third in scoring on the team last season with 50 points. Former Everblade Matt Ginn returns for his third season as the top netminder in Atlanta.Upcoming Home Games
Saturday, October 14 vs. Atlanta, 7:00 p.m. Opening weekend continues as the first 3,000 fans will receive a 20th Anniversary Commemorative poster presented by Bud Light. The throwback jerseys worn by the team will be auctioned off following Saturday's game to benefit youth hockey. There will also be another pregame ceremony as we honor past players and Hurricane Irma first responders.
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###