Early Goal Dooms Everblades

ESTERO, Fla. – The Jacksonville Icemen scored in the opening minute of play, added an empty-net goal in the closing minutes, and defeated the Florida Everblades 2-0 in front of a sellout crowd of 7,308 fans Saturday night at Hertz Arena.

Jacksonville’s Riley Fiddler-Schultz struck for the first period’s only goal just 45 seconds after the opening draw, as the Icemen claimed a quick 1-0 lead. Over the first 20 minutes of play, each team registered 10 shots on goal, while both sides came up empty on one power-play opportunity.

The Everblades posted a 16-11 advantage in the shot department over the middle 20 minutes, but were unable to get on the scoreboard, as Jacksonville carried its 1-0 lead to the second intermission.

Midway through the third frame, the Blades’ defense stymied Jacksonville on a critical power-play shift, as the good guys continued the solid defensive play that the squad exhibited all night. Unfortunately, Florida was unable to even the score on the offensive end of the ice. Jacksonville’s Logan Cockerill closed out the scoring with an empty-net goal with 2:04 to play.

Florida claimed a 35-30 edge in shots on the night. In goal, Cam Johnson (22-15-4-2) stopped 28 shots for the Everblades, while Jacksonville’s Matt Vernon (25-6-2-0) stopped all 35 shots he faced.
 

The Everblades have six games remaining in the regular season – three on the road followed by three at Hertz Arena. Following a three-game Georgia swing for games against Atlanta on April 4 and 5 and a stop in Savannah on April 6, the Blades will be back in The Swamp on April 10 against Jacksonville, followed by a pair versus South Carolina on April 12 and 13. Visit floridaeverblades.comfor more information and to purchase tickets. 
 

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BLADES BITS

The 2-0 setback to Jacksonville was the third time that the Everblades have bene shutout this season and the second clean sheet turned in by the opposing goalie at Hertz Arena this season.

Five of the 10 games between Florida and Jacksonville this year have been decided by one goal, while nine of the 10 contests have had a margin of victory of two goals or less. Three games required overtime to determine a winner.

The Everblades remain one point ahead of idle Orlando for fourth place in the ECHL South Division standings, with the top four teams qualifying for the 2024 Kelly Cup Playoffs. Both teams have six games to play and will not face each other the rest of the way.

Saturday Night’s Scoresheet

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