Everblades Topple Gwinnett, 6-4
Published on October 9, 2009 under ECHL (ECHL)
Florida Everblades News Release
ESTERO, FL - The Florida Everblades opened up their twelfth season of hockey at Germain Arena with a pre-season tilt with the Gwinnett Gladiators Friday night. The Everblades delighted the 2,552 fans in the building with a 6-4 victory. ECHL MVP Kevin Baker continued his stellar play from last season with four points (1-3=4), along with teammate Rob Hennigar (1-3=4), while the third member of the trio, Jacob Micflikier tallied three points (1-2=3). That line ended up with 11 points and were the three stars of the contest.
Gwinnett opened up the scoring at 10:46 in the first period, courtesy of defensemen Scott Marchesi's power-play tally. The Everblades tied the contest at 1-1 as Rob Hennigar chipped it in a loose puck for the Blades first goal of the preseason with 1:15 remaining in the first stanza. Matt Duffy and Jacob Micflikier were credited with helpers. Florida outshot Gwinnett 16-6, despite six minor penalties to the Gladiators two.
The Everblades took their first lead of the preseason as left winger Jacob Micflikier took a no look pass from Kevin Baker and buried the puck past Gwinnett goaltender Danny Taylor just over a minute into the middle frame. It didn't last long however, as the Gladiators stormed back to tie the game thanks to Gwinnett left winger Travis Fuller, who scored 17-seconds after the Florida goal. The Everblades recaptured the lead at 10:31 of the period when 2008-09 ECHL MVP Kevin Baker rifled a puck top shelf to make it 3-2, Florida. Jacob Micflikier and Rob Hennigar assisted on the Baker tally. Colin Nicholson gave the Blades a two-goal advantage with less than a minute left in the period tapping in his own rebound over goaltender Taylor's stick. Gwinnett would finish the scoring with just 25-seconds left in the period as Brian Kaufman beat Florida netminder Mike Morrison to cut the lead to 4-3 after 40-minutes.
The Everblades extended their lead to 5-3 at 8:09 in the third stanza. Blades defenseman A.J. Thelen registered the only power-play goal for Florida with help from defensive partner Matt Duffy and Baker. Florida would finish one of six on the extra-man advantage, while Gwinnett was one of nine. Scott Hotham gave the Blades a three goal lead at 13:52 of the final period. Gwinnett forward Matt Francis cut the Blades lead to 6-4 with just under two minutes to go but could get no closer.
Florida and Gwinnett face off in 24 hours back at Germain Arena. For both teams it will be their second and final exhibition game. Tickets go on sale at the TIB Bank Box Office at 10:00 a.m. Saturday morning. Fans that are currently without employment may show their unemployment check and receive up to four tickets for FREE!
ECHL Stories from October 9, 2009
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- Jackals Fall To Devils In Overtime In Preseason Opener - Elmira Jackals
- Everblades Topple Gwinnett, 6-4 - Florida Everblades
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