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ECHL Florida Everblades

'Blades ink Fleming to contract extension

May 18, 2006 - ECHL (ECHL)
Florida Everblades News Release


ESTERO, FL - Florida Everblades President and General Manager Craig Brush announced today that the team has signed Head Coach Gerry Fleming to a two-year contract extension that will run through the 2007-08 season.

Fleming is coming off his fifth season behind the Everblades bench and helped lead the team to the franchise's second best season in wins and points after posting a 48-20-4 records for 100 points in 2005-06. The Montreal, Quebec native, who became the franchise's second head coach after signing on in 2001-02, has guided the Everblades to a 199-115-46 record in his five seasons at the helm.

"We are very pleased to have Gerry continue to lead our team for the next two years." Brush said. "In many respects, this past season was Gerry's finest year with the Everblades. With the way our roster was constantly impacted by call-ups and injuries, to achieve 100 points in the standings was a tremendous accomplishment."

Over the past three seasons, which included back-to-back trips to the Kelly Cup Finals in 2004 & 2005, Fleming has compiled a 127-65-24 record. In addition, the Everblades have qualified for the post-season in each of Fleming's five years behind the bench, going 29-22 in playoff games during his tenure.

The 38-year-old made his head-coaching debut with the Tallahassee Tiger Sharks during the 2000-01 season when he led the Tiger Sharks to a record of 38-27-7, the third best record in Tiger Sharks history. In his head coaching career, Fleming has posted a 237-142-53 mark.

"I'm very pleased to be returning to the Everblades for another two years." Added Fleming. "I appreciate the fact that Craig Brush and the organization continues to show confidence in me to help the Everblades reach the ultimate goal of winning a Kelly Cup."

Fleming began his coaching career as an assistant coach with Fredericton of the American Hockey League in 1998-99 and served in the same capacity when the franchise relocated to Quebec the following season.

Prior to joining the coaching ranks, Fleming played seven seasons professionally in the Montreal Canadiens organization primarily with Montreal's AHL affiliate in Fredericton. He scored 112 points (44g-68a) and had 1,142 PIM's in 298 games while in Fredericton and in 1998 he became only the second player in team history to have his jersey retired. Fleming enjoyed two stints at the National Hockey League level with Montreal between 1993-1995.

Fleming is a graduate of the University of Prince Edward Island where he earned a degree in psychology with a minor in sport psychology.

Deposits are being accepted now for 2006-07 Florida Everblades season tickets! For just $50 per/seat you can reserve your piece of the action for next season! Visit www.floridaeverblades.com and www.germainarena.com for more information on ticket packages, pricing and upcoming Germain Arena events.

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