Preview: Opening Night vs Jacksonville

ESTERO, Fla. - Friday will mark the Everblades’ first regular season ECHL contest since defeating Greenville 4-1 on March 7th.

WHO: Jacksonville Icemen and Florida EverbladesTICKETS: Click hereWHERE: Hertz Arena in Estero, Fla.DATE: 12/11/2020BROADCAST NOTE: All Florida Everblades games will be available to watch this season on ECHL.TV, streaming on FloHockey.tv.

Fans can also listen to every Blades game on 101.5 FM (Bonita Springs/Naples), 104.3 FM (Fort Myers) and AM 770. In addition to airing games on radio in Southwest Florida, WJBX can also be streamed online at wjbxnewstalk.com

Snapshot: Florida will be led into the new campaign by head coach Brad Ralph for the fifth consecutive year. Under Ralph, the Blades have posted an impressive 192-63-23 record in the regular season.

Since the Icemen began ECHL play in 2017-18, Florida has dominated the series against their in-state rivals. Florida owns a commanding 30-4-3-1 record against Jacksonville and has not lost in regulation to the Icemen throughout the last 10 meetings.

GAME NOTES

New Production: During the two preseason games against the Orlando Solar Bears, Florida saw an impressive offensive output from two of the newest Blades. Forward Cameron Hebig posted three goals and two assists across the two preseason contests, including two goals in the second period of last Saturday’s game that came just over four minutes apart. New forward Myles Powell also stepped up and contributed three assists during the preseason.

Cam the Man: 2020-21 will see the return of goaltender Cam Johnson for the Everblades. Last season in 21 games with Florida, Johnson racked up a 13-5-1 record with a 2.32 GAA and .925 SV% along with two shutouts.

Streaking: A couple Blades had hot sticks when the league stopped the season. Returning forward Michael Huntebrinker was riding a seven-game point streak that started on Feb. 23. Over those seven games, Huntebrinker scored six goals and four assists. Returner Joe Pendenza also played well at the end of the year, recording points in seven of the last nine games of the season.

Scouting the Icemen: Jacksonville is led by head coach Jason Christie in his fourth year with the club. Christie is the ECHL’s all-time leader in games coached (1,211) and wins (633).

The Icemen will have a new look in 2020-21, as they only return two of the top eight scorers on the team from last season. Forwards Brendan Warren (14g-14a) and Wacey Rabbit (8g-15a) are the two leading returners.

Jacksonville will also deploy rookie forward Matt Filipe. Filipe was selected by the Carolina Hurricanes in the third round (67) of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft and spent the last four years with the Northeastern Huskies playing NCAA Division I hockey.

Jacksonville’s Matt Marquardt is a former Florida forward, highlighted by being a member of the Everblades 2012 Kelly Cup Championship team. Marquardt suited up with Florida in four separate seasons and recorded 131 points (51g-80a) in 194 games.

In addition, former Everblades forward Nathan Perkovich has joined Jacksonville this season and looks to play a steadying role for the Icemen. With Florida back in 2018-19, Perkovich tallied 22 goals and 12 assists. Last season the Canton, Michigan native spent 58 games with Greenville.

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BLADES 365 MEMBERSHIPS

Blades 365 Memberships are on sale for the 2020-21 season. Get great seat location and big savings with a Blades 365 Membership!

Purchase a new Blades 365 Membership for the 2020-21 season and receive a $20 gift card to Ford’s Garage and an Everblades tote bag! To view the Blades 365 Membership savings, benefits and options click HERE.

BLADES BROADCASTS

All Florida Everblades games are available to watch online this season on ECHL.TV, streaming on FloHockey.tv.

Fans can also listen to every game on 101.5 FM (Bonita Springs/Naples), 104.3 FM (Fort Myers) and AM 770. In addition to airing games on radio in Southwest Florida, WJBX can also be streamed online at wjbxnewstalk.com

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The Florida Everblades are the proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Nashville Predators and the AHL's Milwaukee Admirals.

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