Cox, Sheppard Named to All-ECHL Second Team
Published on April 4, 2019 under ECHL (ECHL)
Florida Everblades News Release
ESTERO, Fla. - Florida Everblades forward Joe Cox and defenseman Derek Sheppard have been named to the All-ECHL Second Team, the league announced on Thursday.
Cox is being honored with a selection to an All-ECHL team for the first time in his career, while Sheppard, who was an ECHL All-Rookie Team selection on Wednesday, is receiving his second end-of-season accolade.
A native of Chelsea, Michigan, Cox has led the 'Blades in nearly every offensive category all season, including points (61), goals (27) and assists (34). He is the league leader in plus-minus rating with a +46 mark. Cox, 25, was the 'Blades player representative at the 2019 CCM/ECHL All-Star Classic and helped the Eastern Conference capture the All-Star Classic title.
A second-year pro, Cox took just 51 games to surpass his previous career-high point total of 54 points (22g-32a) from his rookie season last year and has notched multiple points in 16 games this year. Cox returned on Wednesday from his first career American Hockey League stint, playing in nine games and recording four points (2g-2a) with the Laval Rocket.
Prior to turning professional, Cox notched 69 career points (28g-41a) in 143 games for Michigan State University. He served as the team captain in his final season with the Spartans in 2016-17, before joining the Everblades for five games at the end of that season.
Sheppard has compiled the best offensive season by an Everblades rookie defenseman in franchise history. The Ajax, Ontario, native is tied for first among ECHL rookie defensemen with 14 goals and is third among rookie blueliners with 40 points, a point total that is tied for eighth overall among all league defensemen. He has posted multiple points on nine occasions, including a single-game career-high of three points in four games.
A product of York University, Sheppard suited up in 10 games for the Everblades last season after finishing his four-year career with the Lions. He notched 100 points (33g-67a) in 111 career games with York University.
The All-ECHL First and Second Teams for 2018-19 were determined in a vote of ECHL coaches, broadcasters, media relations directors and media, who were asked to select a goaltender, two defensemen and three forwards. The All-ECHL First Team and All-ECHL Second Team are listed below.
2018-19 All-ECHL First Team
G - Michael Houser, Cincinnati Cyclones
D - Eric Knodel, Cincinnati Cyclones
D - Matt Petgrave, Brampton Beast (50 gp, 8g, 32a, 40 pts.)
F - Caleb Herbert, Utah Grizzlies (51 gp, 31g, 37a, 68 pts.)
F - Adam Pleskach, Tulsa Oilers (69 gp, 37g, 34a, 71 pts.)
F - Jesse Schultz, Cincinnati Cyclones
2018-19 All-ECHL Second Team
G - Tomas Sholl, Idaho Steelheads (37 gp, 25-12-0, 2.26 GAA, .928 save pct.)
D - Matt Register, Toledo Walleye (62 gp, 12g, 34a, 46 pts.)
D - Derek Sheppard, Florida Everblades (57 gp, 14g, 26a, 40 pts.)
F - Joe Cox, Florida Everblades (55 gp, 27g, 34a, 61 pts.)
F - Chris McCarthy, Reading Royals
F - Zach O'Brien, Newfoundland Growlers (50 gp, 27g, 36a, 63 pts.)
Florida starts a two-game weekend with a Friday night matchup against the Orlando Solar Bears at Hertz Arena. The game will get underway at 7:30 p.m.
-
Ticket packages for the 2019 Kelly Cup Playoffs presented by Smile Direct Club and 2019-20 Season Tickets and Flexible Packages are on sale now!
Join the FUN and 'Blades FAMILY by SAVING with Season Tickets or a Flexible Package that fit into your schedule and budget, plus receive FREE gifts and benefits!
SPECIAL OFFER! Purchase a new Season Ticket or Flexible Package for the 2019-20 season and receive a $20 gift card to Ford's Garage and an Everblades tote bag!
Private tours of Hertz Arena are available to select your season seats! Call the Florida Everblades Front Office at 239-948-7825 to schedule your tour today!
ECHL Stories from April 4, 2019
- McAuley Delivers in Overtime as Solar Bears Take Down Gladiators - Orlando Solar Bears
- Goaltender Alex Leclerc Added to Roster - Utah Grizzlies
- Bonar Steals Crucial Point for Atlanta with Miraculous Performance in Net - Atlanta Gladiators
- Kale Kessy Returns to Steelheads on Assignment from AHL Colorado - Idaho Steelheads
- Ice Painting Party this Saturday - Wichita Thunder
- ECHL Transactions - April 4 - ECHL
- Game Preview: Solar Bears vs. Gladiators - Orlando Solar Bears
- Ronning, Wallin Join Mariners from Hartford - Maine Mariners
- Matt Petgrave Selected to 2018-19 All-ECHL First Team - Brampton Beast
- Cox, Sheppard Named to All-ECHL Second Team - Florida Everblades
- Chris McCarthy Named to All-ECHL 2nd Team - Reading Royals
- Walleye Register Named ECHL All-Star - Toledo Walleye
- Cyclones Trio Named First Team All-ECHL - Cincinnati Cyclones
- Tomas Sholl Named 2018-19 All-ECHL Second Team Honors - Idaho Steelheads
- Caleb Herbert Named First Team All ECHL - Utah Grizzlies
- All-ECHL First and Second Teams Unveiled - ECHL
- Adam Pleskach Selected to 2018-19 All-ECHL First Team - Tulsa Oilers
- Stingrays Sign Cornell Defenseman Matt Nuttle - South Carolina Stingrays
- Playoff Schedule Released, Tickets on Sale Tomorrow - Kalamazoo Wings
- Kelly Summers Earns Crack at American League - Adirondack Thunder
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.
