Impressive Third Period Leads 'Blades Past Icemen 5-3

Written by Robert Molnar

JACKSONVILLE, FL – Brett Bulmer and Quentin Shore both scored a goal early on in the third period to propel the Florida Everblades (27-6-1-2, 57 pts) to a 5-3 win over the rival Jacksonville Icemen (10-21-3-2, 25 pts) Saturday  night at the Veterans Memorial Arena. The Florida Everblades also end the first half of the ECHL season with the best record in the Eastern Conference.

BOX SCORE

Tyler Ganly put the ‘Blades out front as he buried his fourth goal of the season. Moving down into the attacking zone, Brett Bulmer grabbed the puck behind the net. Bulmer’s pass was picked up by Ganly who quickly buried his chance past the leg pad of Jacksonville goaltender Austin Lotz and into the net.

Jacksonville got themselves on the board as they capitalized on a point blank second chance opportunity. Moving around the ‘Blades net, Garrett Klotz attempted a wraparound shot that was stopped by Martin Ouellette. Unable to cover the puck, the rebound was picked up and flipped into the net by an onrushing Elgin Pearce.

Jacksonville took their first lead of the night on a goal from Josh Erickson. Setting up shop in the attacking zone, Jacksonville cycled the puck around. Erickson snapped a quick shot from the blue line. Heading through traffic, the seeing-eye shot managed to find a hole and buried itself into the back of the net.

Matt Mackenzie banged a shot off the pads of Austin Lotz. Picking up the loose puck from behind the end line, Steven Lorentz quickly sliced his shot around the near side post and across the line for a goal.

The Icemen once again used a second chance opportunity to take a 3-2 advantage. On the penalty kill, Cameron Critchlow managed to force a turnover and quickly transitioned from defense to offense. Watching his initial shot get stopped by Martin Ouellette, Critchlow picked up his own rebound before banging this shot into the net.

The ‘Blades tied the score at 3-3 just over a minute into the final frame. Receiving a pass from Tyler Ganly at the top of the left wing circle, Brett Bulmer rifled a quick shot towards goal. Austin Lotz attempted to cover the puck but inadvertently pushed the puck into his own net, giving Bulmer and the ‘Blades the goal that they needed.

The ‘Blades took a 4-3 lead just 42-seconds later as Quentin Shore buried another second chance opportunity into the net. Josh Wesley whipped a slap shot off the blocker of Austin Lotz. And the loose puck bounced to Quentin Shore who wasted no time flipping his shot into the open net.

The Everblades turned in a perfect third period performance, adding an empty net tally from Matt Mackenzie late on in the third period, the ‘Blades earned a 5-3 victory over the rival Icemen.

Martin Ouellette made some great saves in goal for the Everblades and earns the win after stopping 18 of the 21 shots he faced. Austin Lotz suffers the loss in goal for Jacksonville after allowing four goals on 25 shots.

Returning to the ice Monday afternoon, the Florida Everblades will now head to the Infinite Energy Arena to take on the rival Atlanta Gladiators. Puck drop is scheduled for 12:35 p.m. Eastern Time. Fans can catch the game broadcast on 99.3 ESPN Radio. or by CLICKING HERE. Fans can also watch the game online at ECHL.TV

Upcoming Home Games

Friday,  February 2, vs. Greenville, 7:30 p.m.  For every Friday night game this season, kids eat FREE in the Breakaway Sports Pub with the purchase of an adult entree!

Saturday  February 3, vs. Greenville, 7:00 p.m. From 5-7 p.m., join us for the pregame tailgate part featuring live music and bounces houses for the kids!

Ticket Information

Purchase Single Game Tickets at the Florida Community Bank Box Office located at Germain Arena, or online via Ticketmaster by CLICKING HERE

2017-18 Ticket Packages are Currently on Sale!  Flexible partial plans are available. These packages 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###