Everblades Escape IceMen on Marquardt's Hat Trick
March 20, 2015 - ECHL (ECHL)
Evansville IceMen News Release
EVANSVILLE, Ind.- Less than a minute into their game, The Evansville IceMen, presented by Coors Light, jumped out to a one-goal lead. However, the Florida Everblades rode a hat trick from Matt Marquardt to a 3-1 win in front of 5,014 IceMen fans at the Ford Center.
Only 20 seconds into the game, the IceMen found themselves short handed. Down a man, Justin MacDonald stole the puck and charged down the ice. MacDonald zipped a cross-ice pass to Jarret Lukin who gave it back to MacDonald. MacDonald slammed in the short handed goal to give the IceMen a 1-0 lead less than a minute in the game.
Lukin kept his point streak alive at three games on MacDonald's fifth of the season. The veteran from Fort McMurray, Alberta now has nine points in eight March contests.
MacDonald's goal gave the IceMen a 1-0 lead after one. Branden Komm made six saves in the first period to keep the Everblades off the board.
In the second period, the Florida power play responded. Marquardt deflected in a Steven Whitney shot to tie the game after two.
Marquardt's luck continued in the third period. Jesse Graham dumped the puck into the IceMen zone. The puck bounced off the boards behind the net right to Marquardt who tipped it in to give the Everblades a 2-1 lead five minutes into the third.
The IceMen fired several shots at Daniel Altshuler, but could not beat him again. With less than a minute to go, Evansville pulled Komm in favor of the extra attacker. Marquardt found the empty net to complete the hat trick and give Florida the 3-1 win.
Altshuler made 23 saves on the 24 shots he faced to helped the Everblades clinch a playoff spot. Komm stopped 26 of the 28 pucks he saw, but could not claim the win.
On Saturday, the IceMen mix it up with the Everblades again at 7:15 p.m inside the Ford Center. The first 3,000 fans will receive a string bag courtesy of Jagoe Homes. Blizzard Buddies and season ticket holders will get to enjoy a post-game skate with the players.
The Ford Center will turn into the world's largest sports bar on Saturday. Every TV in the building will be showing the NCAA Tournament games.
There are only two home games left so get your tickets now. Single game tickets are on sale for all games including the IceMen's March 21st game against Florida at the Ford Center Box Office Monday through Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and after noon on weekend game days.
2015-16 season tickets are on sale now. Plans start at just $10 per ticket. Call an IceMen ticket executive at 812-421-GOAL to get your discounted season and group packages.
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