Blades Blank Gladiators 2-0 in Series Opener

DULUTH, Ga. - The Everblades (15-8-2-3) finished the 2021 calendar year on a high note on Friday night, shutting out the Atlanta Gladiators (12-12-2-1) by a 2-0 score at Gas South Arena. 

A back-and-forth opening period led to a scoreless draw at the first intermission between goaltenders Parker Gahagen (Florida) and Chris Nell (Atlanta). At the buzzer, the Gladiators were ahead 12-11 in shots on goal.

The first goal of the night came at 17:05 of the second period with Florida’s Nathan Perkovich nudging a shot through the crease on a scramble in front of Nell. Jordan Sambrook and Alex Aleardi were the helpers to put the Everblades on top 1-0 entering the final frame.

Kyle Neuber gave the Blades some breathing room with his fourth goal of the season 7:26 into the third period after receiving a feed from Dylan Vander Esch behind the net. Goaltender Parker Gahagen held off the Gladiators the rest of the way for his second shutout of the season. The Everblades remain undefeated in regulation on the road this season at 11-0-2-1.

With the win, Head Coach Brad Ralph reached the 500th head coaching win plateau. Ralph’s head coaching wins span from four different teams, the Florida Everblades (ECHL), Kelowna Rockets (WHL), Idaho Steelheads (ECHL) and Augusta Riverhawks (SPHL). Ralph has secured 249 wins as the Blades head coach as well. 

The Everblades and Gladiators continue their three-game series tomorrow at Gas South Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 and the action will be available for viewing on FloHockey.TV.

The Blades’ first home game of 2022 takes place on Friday, January 7 when the South Carolina Stingrays come to town. During each Friday home game of the 2021-22 season, fans can enjoy the action with a brand-new 239 ticket package, which pays tribute to Southwest Florida's area code and provides a great deal! You get two premium seat tickets, two autographed programs, and two mushroom swiss burgers for just $39! The action begins at 7:30 pm and tickets can be purchased HERE.

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JOIN THE FUN

Become a member of the Florida Everblades family by securing a great seat location and big savings with a Blades 365 Membership!

Purchase a new Voucher 12 package that allows you to use 12 tickets in any quantity during the 2021-22 season to earn the exclusive benefits of being a Blades 365 Member! To view the Blades 365 Membership savings, benefits and options click HERE.

Everblades put the FUN in FUNdraising! There is no handling of money or tickets and no limit to the amount of money your group can make with the Everblades easy-to-run online Fundraiser! For more information, or to reserve a Fundraiser Night at an Everblades regular season home game, call or text (239) 948-7825.

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Watch every Florida Everblades game on FloHockey.TV. Listen to the exciting game action on ESPN Southwest Florida on 770 AM, 98.1 FM, 104.3 FM and online athttps://espnswfl.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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