ESTERO, Fla. – Maleek McGowan had a debut for the ages with a three-point Gordie Howe hat trick to pace the Florida Everblades run to a 5-0 win over the Atlanta Gladiators in front of 5,335 fans.
Florida struck first thanks to a giveaway straight to Cole Moberg in the slot, giving the blueliner his first of the year. Just 1:13 later, McGowan's net front drive was cleaned up by Devon Paliani to extend the Blades' lead up to 2-0 in short order. With a power play in the final minute, Mark Senden scored to grow Florida's advantage to 3-0 after the first.
Jack Horbach extended Florida's lead in the second period of chaos in front of the net, getting his first professional goal in the process. With five minutes to go in the period, McGowan dropped the gloves with Connor Caponi after McGowan's big hit on Owen Murray.
McGowan finished off the great night with a third period goal set up by a nice pass from Tyler Duke. Cam Johnson registered 17 saves for a third straight game to pick up his first shutout of the season.
The Atlanta Gladiators return tomorrow to try for revenge on Saturday, October 24 at 7:00 p.m. Visit floridaeverblades.com for more information and to purchase tickets.
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BLADES BITS
McGowan's Gordie Howe hat trick is Florida's first since Oliver Cooper on March 21 last season.
Horbach and McGowan are the fourth and fifth Blades rookies to score their first goals this season.
Paliani and Broten Sabo now have points in all three games this season.
Friday’s Gamesheet
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Friday, October 23rd
McGowan's Gordie Howe Hat Trick Leads to 5-0 Win
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