'Blades close out 2004 portion of season with 4-3 victory over Charlotte
December 31, 2004 - ECHL (ECHL)
Florida Everblades News Release
ESTERO, FL - The Florida Everblades (17-12-1) came from behind to gut-out a 4-3 victory over the Charlotte Checkers (17-12-2) on New Year's Eve at Germain Arena. The win was Florida's second straight, and seventh in their last 10 games.
The win didn't come easy for the 'Blades who squandered a two-goal lead in the third period. The Everblades opened the scoring at 8:45 of the first period on Brad Church's 11th goal of the season. Florida extended the lead to 2-0 when Kris Vernarsky deflected a shot past Charlotte goalie Kelly Guard for a power play goal at 4:06 of the second period. However, the Checkers battled back, scoring the next three goals to open a 3-2 advantage over the 'Blades by the 5:45 mark of the third period. Juris Stals got Charlotte on the board when he chipped a shot over Everblades goaltender Craig Kowalski at 15:51 of the middle period. Eddie Pershin tied the game for the Checkers 33 seconds into the third period and Mike Wirll gave Charlotte the lead five minutes later.
The 'Blades battled to tied the game at three on a nifty passing play that saw Brent McDonald jam home a shot from the slot midway through the final period. Defenseman Shane Hnidy collected the eventual game-winner with 8:37 remaining in the third with a wrist shot from the right circle that found the back of the net. Florida staved off some strong pressure from Charlotte in the closing moments while the Checkers worked a four-minute power play in the final 4:02 of regulation. The 'Blades successfully killed the power play chances to hold on for the victory.
Kowalski earned the win in net for the 'Blades stopping 35 of 38 shots, bringing his record to 11-5-1. Guard suffered the loss allowing the four Florida goals on 37 shots, knocking his record to 8-4-0. The Everblades finished the night 1-for-2 on the power play, while Charlotte closed out the night 0-for-6 on the man advantage.
Florida returns to action on Saturday, January 1 when they host the Charlotte Checkers at 7:30 p.m. at Germain Arena. Tickets are available for Saturday's game. Fans can call (239) 948-7825 for ticket information. Saturday's game will be broadcast over the internet only. Visit www.floridaeverblades.com, www.abc-7.com, and www.nbc-2.com to hear all the action with the "Voice of the Everblades" Kevin Reiter calling the play-by-play.
ECHL Stories from December 31, 2004
- Escobedo Traded; Guzior Activated - Mississippi Sea Wolves
- Gators blast Pilots 3-1 - Louisiana IceGators
- 'Blades close out 2004 portion of season with 4-3 victory over Charlotte - Florida Everblades
- Chiefs Come From Behind to Beat Toledo - Johnstown Chiefs
- Losing Streak Ends in 7-4 Win - Myrtle Beach Thunderboltz
- Dexter is named the first Victoria Salmon Kings Team Captain - Victoria Salmon Kings
- 'Blades team up with Red Cross to help tsunami victims - Florida Everblades
- Titans Can't Solve Bullies in 3-1 Loss - Trenton Devils
- Bullies Tangle Up Titans 3-1 - Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies
- Martin Back With Storm - Toledo Walleye
- ECHL Today - ECHL
- Marks wins 700th in 3-2 victory over Gwinnett - Greenville Grrrowl
- Checkers drop close on to Pensacola 2-1 - Charlotte Checkers
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
