ECHL Florida Everblades

Blades Fans Pitch in For Hurricane Stricken Teams

Published on January 12, 2006 under ECHL (ECHL)
Florida Everblades News Release


ESTERO, FL - Florida Everblades president & general manager Craig Brush proudly announced today that Everblades fans helped raise over $42,000 through two jersey auctions for the ECHL Membership Assistance Fund.

On December 21 & 22, the Everblades wore special jerseys depicting the Mississippi Sea Wolves and Texas Wildcatters, who were the two ECHL teams effected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and auctioned them off to fans following the games. Because of the damage done in Biloxi, MS and Beaumont, TX, both teams were forced to suspend operations for the 2005-06 season.

The first night, after wearing the Mississippi uniforms, over $22,000 was raised in the auction. Following the second night's jersey auction, the total money raised was brought to $42,381.78. "As an organization we are extremely proud and fortunate to have the fans that we do." Brush said. "Whenever called upon to help a good cause, our fans always go above and beyond to donate. In particular with this situation our fans, more than others, know what those in Biloxi and Beaumont went through with the devastation of the hurricanes."

The money collected through the auction of the jerseys, plus other donated items, including autographed NHL jerseys, was given to the ECHL Membership Assistance Fund, with the proceeds going to help the Sea Wolves and Wildcatters.

ECHL Commissioner Brian McKenna added, "On behalf of the entire ECHL and the Mississippi Sea Wolves and the Texas Wildcatters in particular, I would like to extend our sincere gratitude for the Everblades recent fundraising efforts. I would like to thank the Everblades organization but more importantly, the season ticket holders and loyal fans for their outstanding support of the jersey auction. I am humbled by the outpouring of support for our teams in Mississippi and Texas by the fans of southwest Florida. The efforts of all those fans truly display the meaning of teamwork in helping other members of our league in their time of need. Thank you Everblades and thank you to all Everblades fans."

The highest selling jersey was forward Ernie Hartlieb's Mississippi styled uniform, which sold for $1,400. Brandon Coalter, Chris Lee and John Adams followed by getting $1,350 for each of their Mississippi styled uniforms. Hartlieb and Adams also grabbed the highest totals on the second night with their Texas styled uniform each selling for $1,050.

The Everblades return to action on Friday, January 13 when they take on the Stockton Thunder at 10:30 p.m. Eastern Time from the Stockton Arena in Stockton, CA. Everblades 2005-06 group tickets and individual game tickets are on sale now! Fans can purchase tickets at the Germain Arena box office, which is open from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets can also be purchased over the phone by calling TicketMaster at (239) 334-3309, or online at www.ticketmaster.com. For additional information, contact the Everblades office at (239) 948-7825.

Check out the Florida Everblades Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



ECHL Stories from January 12, 2006


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.

OurSports Central