Everblades Conquer Gladiators in 6-1 Win

Release Written By Bryce Wright, Everblades Media Relations Assistant

ESTERO, FL- The Florida Everblades defeat the Atlanta Gladiators 6-1 at Germain Arena Saturday night with Mike Aviani taking home three points with one goal and two assists.

Déjà vu all over again as the Everblades blew the roof off of Germain Arena scoring three goals in the first period taking a 3-0 lead into the final seconds of the opening frame before the Gladiators scored their first goal with 30 seconds on the clock making the score 3-1 heading into the first intermission.

The Everblades struck first in just 3:42 into the first period with a Kevin Lynch sniper in the slot over the shoulder of Kent Patterson. Lynch scored his second goal of the season with the help of the captain Matt Marquardt and Brendan O’Donnell.

Just four minutes later, the Everblades scored again as Gabriel Desjardins hit the top shelf of the net on a shot from the slot with Mike Aviani assisting on the goal. Desjardins and Aviani got a 2-on-1 opportunity and made the most of it getting past the Gladiators defense making the score 2-0.

With just over 10 minutes on the clock in the first, the Everblades grabbed their third goal of the night thanks to Aviani finishing off a shot from the top of the crease on a centering pass from behind the net from Evan Bloodoff.

Then right before the first intermission the Gladiators finally got on the board with a shot by Max Everson from the blue line that beat a screened Anthony Peters to put the score at 3-1 heading into the second period.

The Everblades took the dominating performance from the first period and continued to overpower the Gladiators defense in the second period.

Matt Willows added the fourth goal for the putting the  score at 4-1 in favor of the Everblades.Within the next minute the Everblades were able to score their second power play goal of the season when Ethan Werek netted a goal wristing a shot from the top of the right wing circle that clipped past Patterson.

After the fifth goal by the Everblades the Gladiators saw enough of Patterson in net and switched to the former Everblades goalie, Andy Iles, with just under 15 minutes left to play in the second period.

Then with just 10 seconds remaining on the clock, the Everblades were able to score their sixth goal of the night after Werek broke free from the defense for a breakaway chance. Werek wristed a shot high into the right corner of the net for his second goal of the game putting the Everblades on top 6-1 heading into the third period.

The Everblades and Gladiators went scoreless in the third period as the 6-1 score held for the final score.

Anthony Peters gets the win in goal stopping 29 out of 30 shots, while Patterson takes the loss giving up five goals on 22 shots faced, while Iles turned aside 14 of 15 shots in a relief effort.

VIDEO:  View The Game Highlights 

The Florida Everblades return to Germain Arena on Wednesday, Oct. 21 to host the Norfolk Admirals. The game marks the one and only time the Admirals make an appearance at Germain Arena this season. Game time is set at 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday’s Special Promotions: Fans can enjoy $2 drafts, $2 wines, & $2 hot dogs all night long!  Wednesday is also College Night! $5 tickets with free parking to call college students who present their college ID at Germain Arena.

Ticket Information

Game Tickets: Everblades tickets may be purchased at the Florida Community Bank Box Office located at Germain Arena, or at any Ticketmaster outlet, or online atwww.ticketmaster.com

Discounted Group Tickets: Bring your group of 10 or more to a game at a discounted price, and also receive an Everblades souvenir! Group tickets are available for all home games. For more information on group tickets, call 239-948-7825.

Full and Partial Season Ticket Packages: We off full and partial season ticket plans that will save your money and fit your budget and schedule. . For more information, call 239-948-7825, or stop by the team's main office located at Germain Arena from Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Fans may also stop by our sales tables located in the concourse at Everblades games. .

The Everblades are the proud ECHL affiliateof the NHL's Carolina Hurricanes###