Blades and Icemen Face Off in Game Four

ESTERO, Fla. – Despite a strong comeback effort with a three-goal second period, the Florida Everblades fell 4-3 in overtime to the Jacksonville Icemen in Game Three of the South Division Semifinals. Jacksonville now leads the series 2-1, with Game Four set for Friday, April 26 at 7:30 p.m. in Hertz Arena. 

In Wednesday’s thriller, the Blades found themselves down 2-0 at the end of the first period. But goals from Sean Josling, Joe Pendenza, and Jordan Sambrook pushed the game back to even after two, 3-3. No goals in the third period pushed the game into an extra frame, where Derek Lodermeir found the winner for the visitors. 

This is the first time the Everblades have been down 2-1 in a playoff series since the 2019 Eastern Conference Finals against the Newfoundland Growlers. The Growlers went on to win the series 4-1 over the Blades, before defeating the Toledo Walleye in six games to take the Championship. 

Game Five of the series will be held at Hertz Arena on Saturday, April 27 at 7:00 p.m.

A win in either of the next two games for the Everblades will guarantee the need for a sixth game, sending the series back to Jacksonville in the best-of-seven set. Game Six, if necessary, will be held on Tuesday, April 30 in Duval County.

Fans, be sure to wear white for all first-round games this week at Hertz Arena! The Everblades are looking to #MAK3HISTORY – trying to become the first ECHL team to win three consecutive Kelly Cup Championships. Tickets are available online at floridaeverblades.com. Be sure to get in on this week’s 239 Friday Special; two tickets, one large popcorn, and one season program for just $39!

BLADES BITS

The Everblades’ three-goal second period exceeded the team’s total output of the first two games of the series, in which Florida scored twice over 128:24 of play.

With a goal and an assist, Sean Josling continues to be a key postseason performer for the Everblades. In addition to tying Matthew Wedman for the team’s point lead with three points (2 G, 1 A) this postseason, Josling led the Everblades with 20 points and tied for the team lead with 10 goals during Florida’s 2023 Kelly Cup Championship run.

Five different Everblades collected assists in Game Two, led by Matthew Wedman’s two-helper performance. Will Reilly picked up his second apple in as many games, while Oliver Chau, Bobo Carpenter and Sean Josling each tallied their first assists of the Kelly Cup Playoffs.

JOIN THE FUN 

Tickets for home games in the 2024 Kelly Cup Playoffs presented by Lexus are available now, as are 2024 Kelly Cup Playoff Packages, which include games in all four rounds. To learn more, please click HERE.

Season ticket plans for the 2024-25 campaign are on sale now! Become a Blades 365 Member for the 2024-25 season and enjoy incredible savings and benefits! To view the Blades 365 Membership savings, benefits, and options click HERE. 

Group Packages are available for a group of 10 or more! Everblades put 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. 

Grab the newest and hottest Everblades merchandise by checking out the entire collection that is available online by visiting shop.floridaeverblades.com or at the Hertz Arena Pro Shop! 

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

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, or online at espnswfl.com or everblades.mixlr.com. Stay up to date by following the Blades on social media with all the latest news, scores, and promotions on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok and Twitter.