Florida Everblades

The Florida Everblades are a professional minor league ice hockey team based in Estero, Florida, which is located between Fort Myers, Florida and Naples, Florida. They play in the ECHL and are affiliated with the Nashville Predators of the National Hockey League (NHL) and the Milwaukee Admirals of the American Hockey League (AHL) as of the 2019–20 season. Their home games are played at Hertz Arena.

Not to be confused with Florida Everglades.
Florida Everblades
2020–21 ECHL season
CityEstero, Florida
LeagueECHL
ConferenceEastern
DivisionSouth
Founded1998
Home arenaHertz Arena
ColorsGreen, White and Navy Blue
     
Owner(s)David Hoffmann
General managerCraig Brush
Head coachBrad Ralph
AffiliatesNashville Predators (NHL)
Milwaukee Admirals (AHL)
Franchise history
1998–presentFlorida Everblades
Championships
Regular season titles3 (1999–00, 2008–09, 2017–18)
Division Championships7 (1999–00, 2006–07, 2008–09, 2014–15, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2018–19)
Conference Championships4 (2003–04, 2004–05, 2011–12, 2017–18)
Kelly Cups1 (2011–12)

The Everblades were founded in 1998. They play in the South Division of the Eastern Conference in the ECHL. They have failed to qualify for the playoffs just once in team history (2013–14), and have made four appearances in the Kelly Cup finals, winning in 2012.[1]

History
Swampee, the mascot of the Florida Everblades

The team was founded in 1998 by Craig Brush, Peter Karmanos Jr., and Thomas Thewes and was named based on the Florida Everglades. The Everblades' logo features a gator-head design fused in the form of an ice skate. Barnstorm Creative Group, a Vancouver graphic design company, designed the logo. Barnstorm was contacted by Carolina Hurricanes owner Peter Karmanos Jr., who came up with the idea of choosing the Everblades' colors as blue and green, in tribute to the Hartford Whalers team that Karmanos moved to Raleigh, North Carolina. The Everblades' inaugural home opener featured a pre-game ceremony in which a large alligator was brought onto the ice to pay tribute to the team's name and logo, as well as Florida's vast population of reptile species. The Everblades won their first Kelly Cup on May 23, 2012, against the Las Vegas Wranglers.[2] Brandon MacLean scored the championship-winning-goal in overtime during game five.[3] Everblades goaltender, John Muse, was named the most valuable player of the 2012 Kelly Cup playoffs.[4]

2004 American Conference finals

In game five of the 2004 American Conference finals, the Everblades faced the Reading Royals in the final game of an epic series. Florida won the first two games at home, but Reading evened the series at home, the next two of the best-of-five series. In game five, the score was tied at the end of regulation, 2–2, so the game was sent to overtime. John McNabb of the Everblades scored on a breakaway to defeat the Royals in front of a record crowd of 7,080 fans at Hertz Arena.

2005 playoff brawl

One famous event that stands out among Blades' fans was during the 2005 ECHL playoffs. With the Everblades hosting the Greenville Grrrowl on April 22, 2005, for the first game of the American Conference semifinals, the teams engaged in a third-period line brawl that would see both teams combine for 197 minutes in penalties.

The brawl stemmed from previous incidents throughout the game. Prior to the brawl, Everblades forward Greg Hornby checked Greenville's Vladimir Gusev hard into the boards behind the net, causing Gusev to leave the game injured. As a result, the pace of the game, as well as checking, would pick up.

With the Blades up 4-1 with under six minutes to play in the third period, Greenville pest Krys Barch screened the net during a Greenville shooting attempt. Everblades defenceman Tim O'Connell checked Barch from behind numerous times, hoping to clear him from in front of the net. Barch, having been fed up with being pressured, turned around, attempting to sucker-punch O'Connell. Instead, O'Connell quickly skated away from the crease before Barch turned around. Barch ended up punching Everblades goalie Tyler MacKay. O'Connell then jumped on top of Barch, and all the players on the ice dropped the gloves for a wild line brawl that saw Florida goalie MacKay and others getting ejected for fighting.

After the mayhem, Craig Kowalski took MacKay's place as netminder. Shortly thereafter, the Everblades' Simon Tremblay fought Greenville's Adam Nightingale as the last fight of the evening. The Everblades went on to win the game, 4-1, and eventually to sweep the series, three games to none. Barch was assessed a one-game suspension for his role in the brawl.[5]

Game two featured no fights and the Everblades won in overtime, 3-2.

2012 Kelly Cup finals
The Everblades celebrate their victory in game five of the Kelly Cup finals on May 23, 2012.

Florida won the 2012 Kelly Cup playoffs with a 4-1 victory at home in front of a standing-room-only crowd of 7,290.[6] The first period saw Las Vegas Wranglers goalie Joe Fallon beaten by Justin Shugg and Mike Ratchuk, but Las Vegas edged back to even the score by the third, with Ash Goldie and Peter MacArthur beating John Muse to force the overtime.[7] At 4:54 into the overtime, after Ryan Donald passed to Matt Beca, who in turn sent the puck to Brandon MacLean, who beat Fallon and secured the victory.[8]

The win earned Florida the Kelly Cup, and secured a perfect home record of 11-0 in the postseason (two victories over Greenville and three each over Elmira, Kalamazoo, and Las Vegas). Additionally, John Muse earned the Kelly Cup finals MVP award.

In April 2013, owner Peter Karmanos, Jr. announced he would be selling the team along with Germain Arena to "simplify things" in his life, as he had just retired from the company he founded, Compuware.[9] The team was made for sale and was being shopped by Park Lane, a sports investment-banking firm that specializes in the sale of sports teams.[10] Since that time, no formal announcements have taken place on the progression of the sale. In 2018, Karmanos gave up majority control of the Hurricanes to new majority owner Thomas Dundon. After the 2018–19 season, the Everblades dropped the Hurricanes affiliation for the first time and partnered with the Nashville Predators.[11] It was then announced on August 5, 2019, that Karmanos had sold both the team and arena to David Hoffmann, a Naples, Florida, resident and real estate investor.[12]

Logos

Through the Everblades' history, they have had four anniversary logos: the fifth anniversary logo in 2002–03, the 10th anniversary logo in 2007–08, the 15th anniversary logo in 2012–13, and the 20th anniversary logo in the 2017–18 season.

Season-by-season record
Season Conference Division Regular season Playoffs Individual and team honors
GP W L OTL SOL Pts Pct GF GA Head coach
1998–99SouthernSoutheast70452005950.679253180Bob FergusonWon conference quarterfinal 3–0 vs. Birmingham
Lost conference semifinal 0–3 vs. Mississippi		 John Brophy Award (Bob Ferguson)[13][14]
1999–00SouthernSoutheast705315021080.771277181Bob FergusonLost conference quarterfinal 2–3 vs. Augusta Brabham Cup[15]
John Brophy Award (Bob Ferguson)[13][14]
Plus Performer Award (Andy MacIntyre)[16][17]
2000–01SouthernSoutheast72382608840.583236242Bob FergusonLost conference quarterfinal 2–3 vs. Pee Dee Executive of the Year (Craig Brush)[18]
2001–02SouthernSoutheast72372708820.569207221Gerry FlemingWon division wildcard 1–0 vs. South Carolina
Lost conference quarterfinal 2–3 vs. Greenville
2002–03SouthernSoutheast723523014840.583239243Gerry FlemingLost division wildcard 0–1 vs. Greenville
2003–04EasternSouthern723725010840.583239221Gerry FlemingWon division semifinal 3–2 vs. Roanoke
Won Division Finals 3–0 vs. South Carolina
Won conference final 3–2 vs. Reading
Lost Kelly Cup final 1–4 vs. Idaho		 Gingher Memorial Trophy[19]
2004–05AmericanSouth72422046940.653237192Gerry FlemingWon conference quarterfinal 3–1 vs. South Carolina
Won in Conference Semifinals 3–0 vs. Greenville
Won conference final 4–2 vs. Charlotte
Lost Kelly Cup final 2–4 vs. Trenton		 Gingher Memorial Trophy[19]
Reebok Goaltender of the Year (Chris Madden)[20]
2005–06AmericanSouth724820311000.694267208Gerry FlemingWon division semifinal 3–1 vs. Greenville
Lost division final 1–3 vs. Gwinnett		 Sportsmanship Award (Steve Saviano)[21][22]
Reebok Equipment Manager of the Year (John Jennings)[23]
2006–07AmericanSouth72442242940.653272212Gerry FlemingWon division semifinal 3–0 vs. Charlotte
Won division final 4–2 vs. Texas
Lost conference final 3–4 vs. Dayton
2007–08AmericanSouth72392544860.597230198Gerry FlemingLost division quarterfinal 0–3 vs. Columbia
2008–09AmericanSouth71*4917231030.725269187Malcolm CameronWon division semifinal 4–1 vs. Gwinnett
Lost division final 2–4 vs. South Carolina		 Brabham Cup[15]
CCM U+ Most Valuable Player (Kevin Baker)[24]
Leading Scorer (Kevin Baker)[25]
2009–10AmericanSouth72382545850.590234221Malcolm CameronWon conference quarterfinal 3–2 vs. Elmira
Lost conference semifinal 0–4 vs. Reading
2010–11EasternSouth72373014790.549236222Greg PossLost conference quarterfinal 1–3 vs. Kalamazoo
2011–12EasternSouth72392625850.590260218Greg PossWon conference quarterfinal 3–0 vs. Greenville
Won conference semifinal 4–1 vs. Elmira
Won conference final 4–1 vs. Kalamazoo
Won Kelly Cup final 4–1 vs. Las Vegas		 Gingher Memorial Trophy[26]
Kelly Cup[3]
Kelly Cup Playoff's Most Valuable Player (John Muse)[27]
2012–13EasternSouth72392247890.618260241Greg PossWon conference quarterfinal 4–2 vs. Elmira
Lost conference semifinal 3–4 vs. Reading		 Leading Scorer (Mathieu Roy)
2013–14EasternSouth72372735820.569240222Greg PossDid not qualify for 2014 Kelly Cup playoffs
2014–15EasternEast724916251050.729267208Greg PossWon division semifinals 4–2 vs. Orlando
Lost division final 2–4 vs. South Carolina
2015–16EasternSouth7246231295.660226175Greg PossLost conference quarterfinals 2–4 vs. WheelingECHL CCM Rookie of the Year (Matt Willows)
ECHL Community Service Award (Rob Florentino)
2016–17EasternSouth7246212397.674275219Brad RalphWon division semifinals 4–3 vs. Orlando
Lost division finals 1–4 vs. South Carolina
2017–18EasternSouth72531324112.778261171Brad RalphWon division semifinals 4–0 vs. Atlanta
Won division finals 4–1 vs. Orlando
Won conference finals 4–1 vs. Adirondack
Lost Kelly Cup finals 3–4 vs. Colorado		Brabham Cup
Gingher Memorial Trophy
John Brophy Award (Brad Ralph)
2018–19EasternSouth72501651106.736276181Brad RalphWon division semifinals 4–2 vs. Jacksonville
Won division finals 4–1 vs. Orlando
Lost conference finals 1–4 vs. Newfoundland
2019–20EasternSouth6243134292.742227156Brad RalphSeason cancelled
Totals1569944472471060.65054884519—108–80 in playoffs1 Kelly Cup
3 Brabham Cups
3 Gingher Memorial Trophies
3 John Brophy Awards
* The 2008–09 team played 71 games because of scheduling changes caused by the Augusta Lynx and Fresno Falcons ceasing operations mid-season. Four of the five teams (Florida, Charlotte, South Carolina, Mississippi) played 71 games, with Gwinnett playing 72.

Players

Current roster
Updated December 24, 2020.[28]
# Nat Player Pos S/G Age Acquired Birthplace Contract
6 Arvin Atwal D R 25 2019 Surrey, British Columbia Admirals
1 Devin Cooley G L 23 2020 Los Gatos, California Predators
5 Michael Downing D L 25 2019 Canton, Michigan Everblades
37 Michael Huntebrinker C L 28 2019 Chesterfield, Missouri Admirals
7 Alex Kile LW L 26 2020 Troy, Michigan Everblades
40 Levko Koper LW L 30 2019 Edmonton, Alberta Everblades
23 Stefan LeBlanc D L 24 2020 Oakville, Ontario Everblades
11 Cole MacDonald D L 25 2020 Wetaskiwin, Alberta Everblades
27 Jeff Malott LW L 24 2020 Burlington, Ontario Moose
42 Tommy Marchin LW L 25 2020 Algonac, Michigan Everblades
3 Ben Masella (A) D R 28 2018 Montreal, Quebec Everblades
25 John McCarron (C) RW R 28 2016 Macomb, Michigan Everblades
– Mason Mitchell LW L 26 2021 Edmonton, Alberta Everblades
24 Kyle Neuber RW R 31 2019 Sarnia, Ontario Everblades
13 Michael Neville LW L 27 2018 White Rock, British Columbia Everblades
22 Joe Pendenza C L 30 2019 Wilmington, Massachusetts Everblades
21 Matt Petgrave D L 29 2020 Brampton, Ontario Everblades
18 Myles Powell RW R 26 2020 Comox, British Columbia Everblades
47 Logan Roe (A) D L 29 2015 Cape Coral, Florida Everblades
44 Cody Sol D L 29 2020 Woodstock, Ontario Everblades
41 Blake Winiecki C L 27 2018 Lakeville, Minnesota Everblades

Retired numbers
Florida Everblades retired numbers
No. Player Position Career No. retirement
9Ernie HartliebLW2004–2011October 19, 2012
10Reggie BergC1999–2007October 19, 2007
14Tom BuckleyC1999–2004October 19, 2007

Berg and Buckley's numbers were retired during a pre-game ceremony on October 19, 2007, as the Everblades hosted the Mississippi Sea Wolves, in what would be the Sea Wolves' first official regular season game after being placed on a two-year hiatus due to the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Banners made with their jersey numbers were hung to the rafters of Germain Arena.

Hartlieb's number was retired in a ceremony before a game against the Orlando Solar Bears on October 19, 2012. Hartlieb was presented with an ECHL Championship ring (he filled in on with the team in the 2011-12 regular season, but did not appear in the playoffs), and hoisted the Kelly Cup. A banner made with his number was hung to the rafters of Germain Arena next to Berg and Buckley's.[29]

Notable players

Alumni of the Florida Everblades that advanced to play in the NHL after playing for the team:

Jared Staal warming up during the 2010–11 season.

Florida Everblades that played in the NHL before playing with the team:

Franchise records and leaders

All-time franchise record holders
Mathieu Roy of the Everblades and Ryan Murphy of the Charlotte Checkers await a faceoff during a game on March 9, 2009. Roy is wearing the alternate green uniform of the Everblades.

Individual records and streaks

Individual records

  • Most goals - game: 4 (5 times, last by John McCarron, Dec. 3, 2016 vs. Orlando)
  • Most assists - game: 4 (12 times, last by Brandon Fortunato, Dec. 18, 2019 vs. Atlanta)
  • Most points - game: 6 (twice, both by Jacob Micflikier, last on Nov. 5, 2009 at Charlotte)
  • Most shots - game: 12 (3 times, last by Kevin Baker, Jan. 13, 2009 at Charlotte)
  • Most penalty minutes - game: 37 (Kyle Kos Mar. 22, 2003 at South Carolina)
  • Most saves - game: 58 (Rob Zepp, Dec. 27, 2003 at Gwinnett)
  • Most saves - period: 25 (twice, last by Rob Zepp, Dec. 27, 2003 at Gwinnett (1st))

Individual streaks

  • Consecutive game goal scoring streak: 9 (Keith Anderson 10/18/03 – 11/8/03 and Brendan O'Donnell 3/25/16 – 04/09/16)
  • Consecutive game assist streak: 10 (Daniel Sisca (12/9/05 - 12/28/05))
  • Consecutive game point streak: 16 (Tom Buckley (10/26/01 - 12/7/01))
  • Consecutive games started streak: 15 (twice, last by Craig Kowalski (2/10/07 - 3/10/07))
  • Longest winning streak: 9 (Tyler MacKay (2/25/05 - 3/19/05))
  • Longest unbeaten streak: 11 (Tyler MacKay (2/19/05 - 3/19/05) (9-0-2))
  • Longest shutout streak: 163:43 (Randy Petruk (11/3/01 - 12/14/01))[31]

ECHL Hall of Fame

Former Florida Everblades goalie Marc Magliarditi was inducted into the ECHL's Hall of Fame on January 23, 2013.[32] Magliarditi played for the Everblades from 1998 through 2001.[33]

Florida Everblades President and General Manager Craig Brush was inducted into the ECHL Hall of Fame on February 5, 2016. Brush has served as the team’s President and General Manager since the team's inception in 1998 and he oversees all aspects of both the hockey club and the sports complex. Brush also served as the Chairman of the ECHL Board of Governors for three seasons from 2003 through 2006.

Awards and trophies

E.A. Gingher Memorial Trophy

The Everblades have won the E.A. Gingher Memorial Trophy four times, in 2004, 2005, 2012, and 2018. In 2004, the trophy was given to the champion of the Eastern Conference; the Everblades beat the Reading Royals 3–2 to win the conference but lost the Kelly Cup to the Idaho Steelheads. In 2005, the Gingher trophy was given to the American Conference champion. The Everblades beat the Charlotte Checkers 4–2 to win the conference before losing to the Trenton Titans in the Cup finals. In 2012, the Everblades won the Gingher Memorial Trophy by defeating the Kalamazoo Wings 4–1 in the Eastern Conference finals and went on to win the Kelly Cup over the Las Vegas Wranglers. In 2018, the Everblades went 12–2 through three rounds of conference playoffs and won the Gingher Memorial Trophy before losing the Kelly Cup in seven games to the Colorado Eagles.

Brabham Cup

In the 1999–00, 2008–09, and 2017–18 seasons, the Everblades won the Brabham Cup, a trophy given to the team that has the most points in the entire league. The Everblades took the trophy with 108 points in 1999–2000, 103 points in 2008–09, and 112 points in 2017–18.[34]

Kelly Cup

The Florida Everblades won the Kelly Cup in 2012 four-games-to-one over the Las Vegas Wranglers.[35]

References
  1. "ECHL stats archive". Archived from the original on January 6, 2014.
  2. "The News-Press". The News-Press. Retrieved April 3, 2018.
  3. "The ECHL". Retrieved December 26, 2015.
  4. "The ECHL". Archived from the original on January 5, 2016. Retrieved December 26, 2015.
  5. Kent, Andy (April 26, 2005). "ECHL Notebook: Grrrowl player suspended after brawl". Naples Daily News. Retrieved May 6, 2012.
  6. Hauth, Ed (May 23, 2012). "Everblades close out series over Wranglers to win Kelly Cup". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved May 25, 2012.
  7. Dewey, Todd (May 23, 2012). "Wranglers fall short of Kelly Cup with Game 5 loss to Florida". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved May 25, 2012.
  8. Wommack, Woody (May 23, 2012). "Everblades crowned champions". Naples Daily News. Retrieved May 25, 2012.
  9. "Everblades, Germain Arena for sale, but maybe not for long". Naples Daily News. April 30, 2013.
  10. "Team for sale*". Retrieved December 26, 2015.
  11. "ECHL hockey: Florida Everblades switch NHL affiliation to Nashville Predators". Naples News. May 24, 2019.
  12. "Hertz Arena, Everblades being sold to Naples businessman David Hoffmann". Naples Daily News. August 5, 2019.
  13. "John Brophy Award Winners". ECHL. Archived from the original on June 30, 2016. Retrieved May 1, 2012.
  14. "Bob Ferguson Career Stats". Eliteprospects.com. Retrieved May 1, 2012.
  15. "Brabham Cup Champions". ECHL. Retrieved May 1, 2012.
  16. "Plus Performer Winners". ECHL. Retrieved May 1, 2012.
  17. "Andy MacIntyre Career Stats". Eliteprospects.com. Retrieved May 1, 2012.
  18. "Executive of the Year Winners". ECHL. Retrieved May 1, 2012.
  19. "Gingher Trophy Winners". ECHL. Retrieved May 1, 2012.
  20. "Reebok Goaltender of the Year Winners". ECHL. Archived from the original on July 20, 2015. Retrieved May 1, 2012.
  21. "Sportsmanship Award Winners". ECHL. Retrieved May 1, 2012.
  22. "Steve Saviano Career Stats". Eliteprospects.com. Retrieved May 1, 2012.
  23. "Reebok Equipment Manager of the Year Award Winners". ECHL. Archived from the original on April 15, 2012. Retrieved May 1, 2012.
  24. "Florida's Baker Is CCM U+ ECHL Most Valuable Player". ECHL. April 9, 2009. Archived from the original on June 11, 2009. Retrieved April 9, 2009.
  25. "Kevin Baker Career Stats". eliteprospects.com. Retrieved May 1, 2012.
  26. "Florida claims Eastern Conference title". ECHL (Press Release). Retrieved May 6, 2012.
  27. Dorsey, David (May 24, 2012). "MVP John Muse saves the day for Everblades". Fort Myers News-Press. Retrieved May 24, 2012.
  28. "Florida Everblades playing roster". Florida Everblades. December 24, 2020. Retrieved December 24, 2020.
  29. Sodergren, Andrew (October 19, 2012). "Everblades honor Hartlieb, fall flat against Orlando". Naples Daily News. Retrieved October 30, 2012.
  30. Halford, Mike (April 5, 2012). "Boston has been the land of opportunity for goalies this season". Pro Hockey Talk. Retrieved June 3, 2012.
  31. "Individual Records". Florida Everblades. Archived from the original on October 6, 2010. Retrieved May 3, 2012.
  32. Hardwig, Greg (December 3, 2012). "Ex-Everblades goalie Marc Magliarditi headed to ECHL Hall". Naples Daily News. Retrieved December 12, 2012.
  33. "Marc Magliarditi Career Stats". HockeyDB. Retrieved December 12, 2012.
  34. "Premier 'AA' Hockey League | ECHL Stats Archive". The Echl. October 8, 2010. Retrieved February 5, 2012.
  35. "Everblades capture Kelly Cup". Sports Illustrated. May 23, 2012. Retrieved May 23, 2012.
Preceded by

Pee Dee Pride
Cincinnati Cyclones
Toledo Walleye		 Brabham Cup
Champions
1999–2000
2011–12
2017–18		 Succeeded by

Trenton Titans
Idaho Steelheads
Cincinnati Cyclones
Preceded by
Alaska Aces		 Kelly Cup
Champions
2012		 Succeeded by
Reading Royals

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