With no car and no knowledge of this city that he'll call home for the next seven or eight months, Mike Card passes some of his idle time in a Gates hotel plucking on his guitar.
Card, one of 13 players new to the Rochester Americans and the American Hockey League, has been playing hockey pretty much since he could talk. He just picked up the guitar about a year ago.
So can he play a tune?
"I have a good work ethic," he says with a smile. In other words, Eddie Van Halen has nothing to fear.
New Amerks in town
The American Hockey League begins its 71st season as 27 teams start down the road to the 2007 Calder Cup championship. The 2006-07 campaign gets underway tonight when the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins host the Manitoba Moose at the Wachovia Arena at Casey Plaza. It marks the seventh consecutive year in which the Penguins have hosted the AHL's regular-season opener.
AHL's 71st Season set to begin tonight
Throughout their nine-year history, the Florida Everblades have carried two goalies — a standard employed by most hockey teams — on their roster.
The Blades won't be using that standard this season. At least not in the beginning.
Florida will carry three goalies entering the 2006-07 ECHL season, Blades general manager Craig Brush said Wednesday. Netminders Craig Kowalski, Kevin Nastiuk and David Shantz were officially reassigned to the Blades on Wednesday. The goalies' NHL parent clubs want each to get playing time in Estero.
The three goalies were part of 13 players officially added to the Blades roster Wednesday. Florida will kick off training camp Monday with 28 players — 23 contracted and five camp invitees.
Blades to have 3 goalies on roster
Three goalies are going to be fighting for ice time at the start of next week’s training camp for the ECHL’s Florida Everblades — and there are only two nets.
Craig Kowalski and Kevin Nastiuk, both under contract to the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes, were sent down Wednesday morning by Carolina’s American Hockey League affiliate, the Albany River Rats. The pair join Florida Panthers rookie goaltending prospect David Shantz, who was reassigned by the AHL’s Rochester Americans over the weekend.
“They’re used to training camps where there are lots of goalies, so I don’t think that’s an issue at all,” said Craig Brush, Everblades team president and general manager, about the addition of the two Hurricanes goalies. “Right now they’ll both be with us. These situations usually have a way of solving themselves. With four teams above us there’s a chance that there could be somebody that has an injury.
“I don’t think we’ve ever had a full season where we haven’t been looking for an emergency backup, so if it’s determined that we have three goalies here then that’s a luxury we’ve never had.”
It's crowded between the pipes
Two other goalies who are Carolina property -- Craig Kowalski, 25, and Kevin Nastiuk, 21 -- were assigned Wednesday to the Hurricanes' ECHL affiliate in Fort Myers, Fla. Defenseman Chris Lee also was sent to Florida.
Youth Rats' net result
also
Everblades fill out training camp roster; add 13 players
The Albany River Rats of the American Hockey League announced Tuesday they have been assigned left wing Ryan Bayda by the Carolina Hurricanes.
Bayda, 25, appeared in three of Carolina’s five pre-season games and registered a goal and two assists to go along with two penalty minutes and an even plus/minus rating. The 5-foot-11, 185-pound Saskatchewan, Sask., native is entering his sixth professional season after signing with the Hurricanes as a free agent August 4, 2006. Bayda has recorded seven goals and 13 assists in 69 career NHL games with the Hurricanes. He has 45 goals and 100 assists in 229 AHL games with Lowell and Manitoba.
River Rats assigned left wing Ryan Bayda by Carolina Hurricanes
ECHL Vice President of Hockey Operations Rod Pasma traveled to the National Hockey League office in Toronto to develop the video, which is narrated by NHL Senior VP & Director of Officiating Stephen Walkom, for a new standard of officiating under the one-man referee system.
“We encourage our fans to watch this video as the new standard of rules enforcement will change how the game is played in the ECHL,” said Pasma.
ECHL coaches watched the video at their annual meeting, and each coach received copies of the video with instructions to show and review it with their players during training camp. It was also shown to the Board of Governors at their Preseason Meeting on Sept. 28.
ECHL makes rules enforcement video available online
===============================
Next Game
===============================
Who: Albany River Rats at Rochester Americans
When: Friday, October 6, 2006; 7:35 PM
Where: Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial
TV: B2 Networks
Radio: B2 Networks
Internet: mms://168.75.182.197/rochester
Web site: www.amerks.com
- Location:Cape Coral, Fl
- Mood:
busy - Music:Korn: Coming Undone
Left winger Michael Ryan, who cleared NHL waivers over the weekend, scored one goal, and rookie forward David Booth scored the other, as the Rochester Americans closed their preseason with a 5-2 loss to the Toronto Marlies Monday afternoon.
The article mainly talks about the latest Sabres send downs.
Amerks lose preseason finale
Former Florida Everblades defenseman Grant McNeill was released on Monday by the American Hockey League's Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.
According to a press release, McNeill is expected to attend the training camp of the ECHL's Wheeling Nailers.
There are no enforcers in the Panthers System -- I would have liked to have McNeill back. Still, the Canes have a fine crop of bruisers.
Ex-Blade McNeill cut by AHL club
Could the Panthers start the season with three goalies on the roster?
(Craig) Anderson likely will be sent down to the AHL affiliate in Rochester, N.Y., or traded/loaned to another AHL franchise in the coming days.
Healthy Belfour practices for Panthers
An interesting tidbit -- there are only six NHL players that are 40 years old or older. Three of them, Ed Belfour (41), Joe Nieuwendyk (40) and Gary Roberts (40), are on the Florida Panthers Roster.
The other three? Ex-Panther Scott Mellanby (40) now with the Atlanta Thrashers, Detroit defenseman Chris Chelios (44) and Detroit goalie Dominik Hasek (41).
Canes at Camp
The Panthers and the Amerks both open their season Friday Night. The Amerks will be holding a "Red Out" to kick off their season.
Amers to hold a 'Red Out' Friday in Season Opener.
- Location:Cape Coral
- Mood:
indifferent - Music:Breaking Benjamin: Diary of Jane
Oh please. Andy Kent is full of himself again. I broke this story yesterday after it was reported in the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle.
He didn't even have the first draft of the story up at 8 AM when I left for Sarasota...
Rochester sends five players to Blades
The Blades also received three more players, this time from their Carolina affiliate: Left wing Mike Angelidis, center Vince Bellissimo and defenseman Brett Carson.
Vince is a returning Everblade. G. Falls supports hockey
The Amerks where idle yesterday and will conclude their preseason schedule when they head to Toronto for a noon showdown against the Marlies on Monday, October 2nd at Ricoh Coliseum.
Meanwhile between Belf and Auld, Craig Anderson may have to stay with the Panthers permently...
Van Ryn, Belfour Hurt
The updated Everblades roster can be found here.
- Mood:
sleepy
MacDonald, Brine and Taylor all made the TV cut and signed contracts with the Panthers. MacDonald is now hoping to make another cut and stay with the Rochester Americans, rather than go to the ECHL's Florida Everblades.
Reality TV leads to deal for MacDonald
The Rochester Americans lost for the first time this preseason, dropping a 4-1 decision tonight to the Toronto Marlies at the ESL Sports Centre on the campus of Monroe Community College.
Rochester falls to 2-1-0-0, after opening the preseason with wins over the Syracuse Crunch. The Marlies improved to 2-0-0-0 with the road win.
Amerks drop first perseason game, Lose 4-1
Meanwhile Defenseman Alexei Semenov, who was optioned to Rochester on Thursday, was recalled by the Panthers on Friday following an injury to Mike Van Ryan.
Van Ryn Hurt
Rochester made their first cuts yesterday. Coming to Southwest Florida will be goaltender David Shantz, defenseman Steve Czech and Bret Nasby, and forwards Dustin Johner and Jonathan Lehun.
Also released were defenseman Christopher Trick and Gabriel Proulx, and forwards Austin Sutter, Branislav Fabry, J.F. Soucy, Darryl McKinnon, and Derek Damon. It is unclear where these players are being assigned.
The Blades also received Jon Jakus from the Albany River Rats where he was attending AHL camp. The forward from the University of Maine was signed by the Everblades in July.
Also cut from River Rats camp were defensemen Preston Briggs, Jacob Schuster and Andrew Winnik, and centers Brad Parsons.
Rats squander lead
In other ECHL news...
The ECHL will once again have a different number of teams in its two conferences for the 2006-07 season. The conferences will also play under distinct playoff formats.
The ECHL released its division and conference alignments, and playoff format for the 2006-07 season Friday afternoon.
For the most part, not much will change from last season. The Estero-based Florida Everblades will remain in the American Conference's South Division.
ECHL divisions stay uneven; playoff format set
also
ECHL conferences shuffled; playoff format revised
And the European exodus continues:
In addition to (Paul) Cabana and (Matt) Bannan, forwards Kevin Bergin (Basingstoke Bison of England’s Elite Ice Hockey League), Daniel Sisca (Italy’s HCJ Milano Vipers), Steve Saviano (Växjö Lakers of the Allsvenskan League in Sweden), defensemen Corey Neilson (GMB Nottingham Panthers of the EIHL) and Tyson Teplitsky (EIHL’s Cardiff Devils) and goaltender Phil Osaer (Cardiff Devils) have crossed the Atlantic Ocean.
Last season, Cabana scored 46 points (23 goals, 23 assists) in 60 regular-season games, missing some time with a separated shoulder, and added seven points (5 goals, 2 assists) in seven playoff games. But Florida did not list him on the protected list or tender a qualifying offer, so he had to start exploring other options.
Cabana to play in Germany
- Location:Wasteland
- Mood:
anxious - Music:10 Years
More experienced players have already been cut from training camp. That includes three minor-leaguers who had short stints with the Panthers last season.
Rookie left winger David Booth, however, is still here. Wednesday, Booth skated on the fourth line and also saw ice time on the penalty kill. While this is the first pro camp for the 21-year-old out of Michigan State, there was a feeling after the first practice nearly two weeks ago that he'd hang around for a while.
"He definitely was our best player of rookie camp, and he looked like he didn't miss a beat," Martin said then, and added Wednesday that Booth has continued to have a strong camp.
One of 30 remaining players on the roster, Booth most likely will be assigned to Rochester of the American Hockey League before the start of the season. There's a slim chance he will stay with the Panthers if left-winger Ville Peltonen is placed on injured reserve because of an injured shoulder, though right-winger Anthony Stewart would be the likely candidate to be the 13th forward.
Regardless, "This has been some of the best couple weeks of my life," said Booth, who scored his only goal this preseason at Chicago last Thursday.
Also
Cats' rookie Booth making impression*
From the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle:
Rookie defenseman Franklin MacDonald strengthened his chances of staying with the Rochester Americans by scoring once in regulation and then twice in the shootout in a 4-3 win over Syracuse Wednesday night at the ESL Sports Centre.
In regulation, David Brine scored one goal and assisted on the other by Jonathan Lehun.
Goalie David Shantz stopped 35 shots.
MacDonald, Brine, Taylor and Shantz have all been projected to start the season with the ECHL Florida Everblades. Lehun played part of last season with the Blades.
also
Amerks beat Syracuse 4-3 in sudden-death shootout
Jean-Marc Pelletier may be the odd man out in the Panthers goaltending situation. Yesterday, the Miami Herald reported:
General manager and coach Jacques Martin said defenseman Alexei Semenov and goalies Craig Anderson and Jean-Marc Pelletier cleared waivers Tuesday, with Pelletier sent to the team's minor-league affiliate in Rochester, N.Y.
Semenov and Anderson will remain with the team for the time being, although the Panthers can send them to the minors without having to clear waivers again within the next 30 days.
Anderson and Pelletier are competing for the Panthers' No. 3 job, which means starting the season in Rochester. Pelletier, who looks like the odd man out, gave up one goal in two preseason games. Florida could lend either Pelletier or Anderson to another AHL franchise.
"They did what they had to do, so it puts me and them in a strange position," Pelletier said. "There are five goalies for four spots. Something has to give. All I can do is what I do on the ice."
Naples Daily News reporter Andy Kent seems to feel that Pelletier may be coming to Southwest Florida:
Pelletier has never played at the ECHL level, and wasn’t too keen on the idea when it was mentioned as an option if he wanted to remain with the Panthers organization.
“We’ll cross that bridge when we get there, however, it’s not in my contract so I’d have to accept (the assignment),” he said. “I’m an educated man. I’ve got two years of college done (at Cornell) and I always told myself when somebody told me that I wasn’t good enough to play I’d just move on to other things. But I think I’m still good enough to play and we’ll see where that leads me.”
Kent also thought Southwest Florida was in the Frankie Liriano lottery as well, but Liriano made his rehab start earlier this year with Rochester.
And finally:
Hurricanes Night among Blades' many promotions
I am scheduled for surgery on October 26th, and will be stuck in bed for Hurricane night. Oh well...
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- Location:Cape Coral, Fl
- Mood:
bouncy - Music:Disturbed: Diefy
Goaltenders Craig Kowalski and Kevin Nastiuk and forwards Vince Bellissimo and Kevin Estrada will report to the American Hockey League's Albany River Rats early next week for the start of their training camp. Forwards Mike Angelidis, Joe Barnes and Stephen Peat and defenseman Brett Carson will be joining them.
-- Former Blades reassigned by Hurricanes
Before heading out on the road for a pair of preseason games, the Hurricanes trimmed their roster by nine Saturday morning; sending Mike Angelidis, Joe Barnes, Vince Bellissimo, Brett Carson, Kevin Estrada, Craig Kowalski, Kevin Nastiuk and Stephen Peat to Albany (AHL), and returning Harrison Reed to his junior team in Ontario.
No surprises in that group, with forwards Patrick Dwyer and Scott Kelman and defensemen Derrick Walser, J.D. Forrest and Tim Conboy avoiding the axe.
-- Canes at Camp
Peters will be moving on as well. It was no doubt his only opportunity of the preseason, with John Grahame expected to start tonight and Cam Ward and Grahame certain to split the final two games next weekend.
But there will be other chances for him in the years to come, his future as bright as ever even after a dark night in the net.
"The only way to get better prepared is experience," Peters said. "Tonight was an experience."
-- Canes' Peters lets in seven goals
In related news, the Florida Panthers lost their Exhibition game in Pueto Rico to the New York Rangers, 3-2.
Florida Panthers goalie Alex Auld made 38 saves and defensemen Steve Montador scored the first NHL goal on Puerto Rican ice. New Panthers defenseman Ari Vallin also scored for Florida.
Cuts were expected to be made after the game, but none have been announced by the Panthers, who now fly to Detroit for an exhibition game against the Red Wings. The Panthers are 0-for-5 in the 2006 preseason.
Meanwhile...
The Rochester Americans opened their 2006 training camp Saturday night at the ESL Sports Centre on the campus of Monroe Community College.
The teams treated fans to a red-white scrimmage. The red team was led by forward Mark Mancari, as he assisted on one goal and scored the shootout game-winner in a 2-1 red team win. The white team was led by a goal from Bret Nasby.
The Amerks will return to the ice on Sunday, September 24th from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the ESL Sports Centre. The session is free and open to the public.
Rochester opens the season against the Albany River Rats on Friday, October 6th at 7:35 p.m. at The Blue Cross Arena at the Rochester War Memorial.
-- Amerk Press Release
- Location:Cape Coral, Fl
- Mood: sleepy
- Music:Disturbed
Everblades suffer 4-1 set back to Stingrays
http://www.floridaeverblades.com/news/2
Lackadaisical Blades stumble
Florida suffers second straight home loss
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.d
Stingrays stun reeling Blades *
http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2006/j
Blades’ Osaer making adjustments *
http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2006/j
The third reprinting of this story:
Vukovic lands with Lowell in AHL *
http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2006/j
Special teams lift Rays past Blades
Stingrays 4, Everblades 1
http://www.charleston.net/stories/?news
Photo Gallary *
http://www.naplesnews.com/photos/galler
Boxscore
http://www.geocities.com/bladesgal17/20
Who: South Carolina Stingrays (16-14-10) at Florida Everblades (26-12-2)
When: Saturday, January 28, 2006; 7:30 PM
Where: Germain Arena
TV: B2 Network
Radio: Sportsradio 770 AM
Internet: www.abc-7.com
Web site: www.floridaeverblades.com
Rookie Evan Schwabe had two goals and an assist in South Carolina's 4-1 win at Florida on Friday.
Florida is unbeaten in regulation when leading after the first (12-0-0) and second period (16-0-1).
Stingrays' Davis Parley is 3-1-0 with a goals-against of 0.82 and a .972 save percentage his last four games.
In the last five games, Florida has scored five power-play goals, going 20 percent on the man advantage.
Everblades get Johner back from AHL
http://www.floridaeverblades.com/news/2
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- Mood:
lazy
I had inquired of Mr. Brush as why the Blades HAVE to go to the West Coast as opposed to say, going on a Northern Road Swing instead, and his reply was:
"Thank you for the e-mail, however the league makes up our schedules. I will pass the suggestion along."
I seem to recall that the team had to volunteer to go on these west coast trips, so I thought they had some control over the situation?
In any case...
"The Fresno Falcons gave their fans quite a show in Tuesday night's 4-1 victory over Florida -- highlight-reel goals, rock-solid defense, acrobatic goalie saves and even a wrestling takedown."
Hard-charging Falcons take down Florida
http://www.fresnobee.com/sports/fal
Everblades End Trip With 4-1 Loss to Fresno
http://www.floridaeverblades.com/news/2
Blades end West Coast trip with loss *
http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2006/j
Boxscore
http://www.geocities.com/bladesgal17/20
Hartlieb named alternate captain of All-Star squad
http://www.floridaeverblades.com/news/2
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- Mood:
cranky
When: Friday, January 13, 2006; 10:30 PM
Where: Stockton Arena
TV: B2 Network
Radio: Sportsradio 770AM
Internet: www.abc-7.com
Web site: www.floridaeverblades.com
This is the first meeting between Stockton and Florida.
Florida is second in the South Division with 46 points just one point behind Gwinnett.
Maris Ziedins (3g-3a) and Slonina (4g-2a) both have six points in the last 10 games played.
Joel Irwin leads Stockton with 24 points (8g 16a).
"Here comes another one of the stud teams." ~ Stockton coach Chris Cichocki
No relief this weekend for Thunder
http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.d
"Fresno played well, we laid an egg, and it was an unacceptable performance." ~ Gerry Fleming
Nick Vukovic goes home, and the Blades go to prison. Never let it be said that Gerry isn't tough on the boys when they lose.
Blades win over new member
Neilson bonds with team while on road trip
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.d
Blades fans help teams affected by hurricane *
http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2006/j
Everblades fans pitch in for hurricane stricken teams
http://www.floridaeverblades.com/news/2
Everblades Host Annual Golf Tournament
http://www.floridaeverblades.com/news/2
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- Mood: bouncy
- Music:Nickleback
Falcons have their eyes on postseason *
http://www.fresnobee.com/sports/fal
Falcons defeat Everblades, 4-1 *
http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2006/j
Press Release
http://www.floridaeverblades.com/news/2
Boxscore
http://www.geocities.com/bladesgal17/20
3 STARS:
1) John Wroblewski - FRE
2) Cory Murphy - FRE
3) Trent Walford - FRE
League award won by Blades' Saviano
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.d
Saviano named ECHL Co-Player of the Week *
http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2006/j
Saviano Earns Player of the Week Honors
http://www.floridaeverblades.com/news/2
Everblades Add Black to Roster
http://www.floridaeverblades.com/news/2
Who: Florida Everblades (22-9-2) at Stockton Thunder (6-18-4)
When: Friday, January 13, 2006; 10:30 PM
Where: Stockton Arena
TV: B2 Network
Radio: Sportsradio 770AM
Internet: www.abc-7.com
Web site: www.floridaeverblades.com
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- Mood: disappointed
When: Tuesday, January 10, 2006; 10:00 PM
Where: Save Mart Center
TV: B2 Network
Radio: Sportsradio 770AM
Internet: www.abc-7.com
Web site: www.floridaeverblades.com
First-ever meeting between the two teams.
Florida is 1-1-0 against National Conference teams and Fresno is 3-0-1 against American Conference teams.
Shawn Mather has five goals and three power-play goals in his last five games for the Falcons.
Florida's Steve Saviano has a four-game assist streak (7a) and a five-game scoring streak (6g-7a).
West Coast trips have left Blades short of pleased
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.d
Big test out West for Blades *
http://www.bonitanews.com/news/2006/j
Falcons back home, minus defenseman
http://www.fresnobee.com/sports/fal
Word off the Fresno Falcon's Fan Forum (http://com1.runboard.com/bfresnofalcon
Meanwhile the Blades are hoping to have both newly acquired players, center Greg Black and defenseman Corey Neilson, in the line up tonight.
Ernie Hartlieb remains out with a high ankle sprain.
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- Mood: tired
Saviano opened the scoring on the power play, 3:14 into the first, Jonathan Lehun made it 2-0 at the 6:36 mark.
Phil Osaer survived a crazy second period which saw three Pensacola tallies, but not before Phil Aucoin had put the Blades up 3-0. Saviano found the back of the net at 13:00 fo the second for the eventual game winner, and assisted on Anders Strome's tally just under two minutes later.
That goal seemed to take the wind out of the Ice Pilot's sails.
Osaer turned back 34 Pilots shots for the win. The Blades head out west for a five game road trip, which starts Tuesday in Fresno.
Saviano keeps rolling
Blades forward nets pair of goals
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.d
Saviano, Everblades glide to 6-3 win over Ice Pilots *
http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2006/j
Everblades-Ice Pilots Notebook *
http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2006/j
Everblades gain momentum with victory *
http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2006/j
Boxscore
http://www.geocities.com/bladesgal17/20
Who: Florida Everblades (22-8-2) at Fresno Falcons (18-5-8)
When: Tuesday, January 10, 2006; 10:00 PM
Where: Save Mart Center
TV: B2 Network
Radio: Sportsradio 770AM
Internet: www.abc-7.com
Web site: www.floridaeverblades.com
The Q & A for Sunday was Nick Vukavic. It was not in the online edition of the Fort Myers News Press and I will have to scan it in.
This is was a little ironic as Vukavic was one of the players, the other being Jon Lehun, who was traded to Pensacola on Sunday..
Blades trade 2 rookies for offensive defender
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.d
All-star defenseman acquired by Blades *
http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2006/j
Pilots trade Neilson to 'Blades
http://www.pensacolanewsjournal.com/app
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- Mood: cranky
In other player news, defenseman Grant McNeill returned to the Florida Everblades (ECHL) after playing in two games with the Amerks during their road trip to Manitoba. The Florida Panthers (NHL) reassigned McNeill from the Everblades to Rochester on January 2nd. With the Everblades, he has played in 18 games, while collecting one assist and 69 penalty minutes. This is his third season as a professional. He was the Florida Panthers’ third-round selection (68th overall) in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft.
No word yet on a call up to replace the injured Jamie McLennan on the Panthers' roster.
- Mood: uncomfortable
Playing shorthanded on the blue line, the Blades allowed 42 shots on panther prospect Phil Osaer, but the Blades netminder was up to the task, turning back 41 Pilot shots for the win.
Paul Cabana recorded a hat trick and Jonathan Lehun tallied short handed and added an assist on Cabana's third goal.
The boxscore gives credit to Everblades assistant captain Ernie Hartlieb for opening the scoring for the Blades, at 10:59 of the first, despite playing back as a defenseman.
Everblades broadcast Kevin Reiter however, said that Lehun deflected Hartlieb's point shot for the goal. Either way the Blades got on the board first.
Ice Pilot Brendan Cook scored his 10th goal of the season on a breakaway late during the first period to cut Florida's lead to 2-1, but that would be as close as Pensacola would get for the night.
The Blades return to action Friday night at Germain arena, taking on the Columbia Inferno, who will be visiting Southwest Florida for their first time this season.
Blades' Osaer stops 41 shots in 6-1 victory
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.d
Everblades blast past Ice Pilots, 6-1 (Photo)
http://www.pensacolanewsjournal.com/app
Saviano, Natsiuk reassigned to Blades *
http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2006/j
Boxscore
http://www.geocities.com/bladesgal17/20
Who: Columbia Inferno (13-16-3) at Florida Everblades (20-8-2)
When: Friday, January 6, 2006; 7:30 PM
Where: Germain Arena
TV: B2 Network
Radio: Sportsradio 770AM
Internet: www.abc-7.com
Web site: www.floridaeverblades.com
Word off the Lowell Lock Monsters' listserv is the team has been put up for sale by Elkin McCallum . If the team is not sold by the start of next season, it will be mothballed.
It's a pretty good bet the Blades will have a new AHL affiliate next season, even if it is still Carolina owned.
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- Mood: listless
The Blades have the best winning percentage in the American Conference, but trail Wheeling by one point with one game in hand.
Two National Conference teams, the Las Vegas Wranglers and the Alaska Aces lead the ECHL with 48 and 43 points respectively.
The Blades head out on a Western road swing starting on January 10th, but face neither of these two teams, playing twice at Stockton and Fresno and once in Bakersfield.
Not even the loss of Dustin Johner and Martin Lojek to Rochester of the American Hockey League seemed to bother the team. Dan Sisca scored shorthanded, unassisted in the second. John Ronan had a goal and an assist, Bergin had a goal and a fighting major, and Big Ernie Hartlieb scored his team leading 16th goal of the season.
The Blades return home for a pair of games against the division rival Gwinnett Gladiators, who trail the Blades by only two points in the standings.]
Pilots get pummelled by Everblades
http://www.pensacolanewsjournal.com/app
Everblades win 5th straight game
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.d
Kowalski blanks Pilots *
http://www.naplesnews.com/npdn/sp_everb
Everblades win fifth straight, blank Ice Pilots 4-0
http://www.floridaeverblades.com/news/2
Boxscore
http://www.geocities.com/bladesgal17/20
Next Game: Gwinett Gladiators (15-6-4) at Florida Everblades (19-7-1)
When: Friday, December 30; 7:30 PM
Where: Germain Arena
TV: B2 Network
Radio: Sportsradio 770AM
Web site: www.floridaeverblades.com
Hartlieb was runner up for Player of the Week Award, continuing the long standing ECHL tradition of bypassing outstanding Everblades players for weekly honors.
Hartlieb Runner Up For Player of the Week Award
http://www.floridaeverblades.com/news/2
===============================
Everblades College Classic
===============================
The Big Red, which also won the College Classic in 2003, beat Minnesota-Duluth in a shootout
Cornell claims College Hockey Classic crown *
http://www.naplesnews.com/npdn/sports/a
Photo Gallary *
http://www.bonitanews.com/photos/galler
* Requires FREE online registration to view or use www.bugmenot.com
- Mood: creative
- Music:David Bowie - Let's Dance
Last Night's Results
=====================================
Florida Everblades ( 1) at Augusta Lynx ( 0)
Panther's prospect Phil Osaer nets the shut out! Kevin Bergin scored the game winning goal.
Boxscore
http://www.geocities.com/bladesgal17/20
'Blades spoil Lynx's effort *
http://chronicle.augusta.com/stories/12
Everblades capture fourth in row
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.d
Blades win on Bergin's late goal *
http://www.naplesnews.com/npdn/sp_everb
Everblades win fourth straight with 1-0 win over Augusta
http://www.floridaeverblades.com/news/2
Power play goal pushes Everblades to win
http://www.augustalynx.com/news/?id=442
=====================================
Roster Moves
=====================================
Two prospects recalled to Amerks.
Johner and Lojak recalled
http://www.floridaeverblades.com/news/2
=====================================
Everblades Game Day
=====================================
Tonight: Florida Everblades (17-7-1) at Pensacola Ice Pilots (10-13-3)
When: Wednesday, December 28; 8:05 PM
Where: Pensacola Civic Center
TV: B2 Network
Radio: Sportsradio 770AM
Web site: www.floridaeverblades.com
=====================================
Everblades College Classic
=====================================
Cornell 3, Northeastern 0
Minnesota-Duluth 4, Maine 1
Let's go Bulldogs!
Duluth flies past Maine for 4-1 Classic win
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.d
Junior McKee posts 3-0 victory in Classic
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.d
Cornell rolls Northeastern at College Classic *
http://www.naplesnews.com/npdn/sports/a
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- Mood: chipper
Rochester Americans
========================================
Next Game: Rochester Americans (17-13-2) at Hamilton Bulldogs (12-20-2)
When: December 29, 2005 at 7:30 PM
Where: Kopps Coliseum
TV: B2 Networks
Radio: WHTK 1280 AM /www.whtk.com
Web site: www.amerks.com (includes link to B2 Networks $6 web cast).
Amerks play two games to close out 2005
http://www.amerks.com/FeatureStories.as
Amerks reading program stops in Brighton Tuesday
http://www.amerks.com/FeatureStories.as
Former Amerk Ryan Miller wins NHL Weekly Honor
http://www.amerks.com/FeatureStories.as
========================================
Florida Everblades
========================================
Tonight: Florida Everblades (16-7-1) at Augusta Lynx (12-14-2)
When: Tuesday, December 27; 7:05 PM
Where: Augusta-Richmond County Civic Center
TV: B2 Network
Radio: Sportsradio 770AM
Web site: www.floridaeverblades.com
Brawling brothers
Bergin, McNeill go from battling as opponents to pairing up as Blades
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.d
Tuma, Johner back as Blades open road trip at Augusta *
http://www.naplesnews.com/npdn/sp_everb
If you're going to be by online during tonight's game vs. the Lynx, stop by the Bladesline message board at
http://www.xsorbit4.com/users/everblade
and say hello!
Going on at Germain Arena:
Quartet of teams to battle for title
Classic tourney at Germain begins today
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.d
Former champions Cornell, Maine headline Everblades College Classic *
http://www.naplesnews.com/npdn/sports/a
Former Blades:
Former Everblade LaRose making his mark in NHL *
http://www.naplesnews.com/npdn/sp_everb
*Free Online Registration required to view or use www.bugmenot.com
- Mood: bouncy
- Music:Pearl Jam -- Rats
Rochester Americans
========================================
Next Game: Rochester Americans (17-13-2) at Hamilton Bulldogs (12-20-2)
When: December 29, 2005 at 7:30 PM
Where: Kopps Coliseum
TV: B2 Networks
Radio: WHTK 1280 AM /www.whtk.com
Web site: www.amerks.com (includes link to B2 Networks $6 web cast).
Amerks beat 'Dogs 3-2, make three player moves
http://www.amerks.com/FeatureStories.as
========================================
Florida Everblades
========================================
Next Game: Florida Everblades (16-7-1) at Augusta Lynx (12-14-2)
When: Tuesday, December 27; 7:05 PM
Where: Augusta-Richmond County Civic Center
TV: B2 Network
Radio: Sportsradio 770AM
Web site: www.floridaeverblades.com
The Amerks sent center Dustin Johner and defenseman Martin Tuma back the Florida Everblades (ECHL).
Can't take the fight out of McNeill *
http://www.naplesnews.com/npdn/sp_everb
Q & A: Everblades forward Phil Aucoin
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.d
*Free Online Registration required to view or use www.bugmenot.com
- Mood: drained
Rochester Americans
========================================
Tonigh: Syracuse Cruch (15-11-2) at Rochester Americans (16-13-1)
When: 7:05 PM, Thursday, December 22
Where: Blue Cross Arena
TV: B2 Networks, Time Warner Cable Channel 98 Saturday at 12:30 p.m.
Radio: WHTK 1280 AM /www.whtk.com
Web site: www.amerks.com (includes link to B2 Networks $6 web cast).
Amerks hope to cash in on their power play
http://www.democratandchronicle.com/app
========================================
Florida Everblades
========================================
Panther prospect Martin Lojek received third star of the game for some excellent work on the power play. The 20-year old Czech Republic native record assists on two of the Blades 4-second period goals.
Blades overpower Pensacola 5-2
Home winning streak reaches 11 games
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.d
The Everblades wore special commemorative jerseys honoring the Mississippi Sea Wolves, one of the two ECHL teams that had to suspend operations because of this summer's hurricanes. After the game, the jerseys, along with a puck autographed by Florida Panthers goalie Roberto Luongo and an autographed Steve Yzerman jersey, were auctioned off.
Mississippi's home rink was damaged by Hurricane Katrina, and then Hurricane Rita forced the Texas Wildcatters to cancel the season. Florida will wear commemorative Texas jerseys tonight.
Streaking Everblades bounce Ice Pilots *
http://www.naplesnews.com/npdn/sp_everb
Goalies try to deflect rough times in minors *
http://www.naplesnews.com/npdn/sp_everb
Photo gallary *
http://www.bonitanews.com/photos/galler
Boxscore
http://www.geocities.com/bladesgal17/20
Tonight: Pensacola Ice Pilots (10-12-3) at Florida Everblades (16-7-1)
When: Thursday, December 22; 7:30 PM
Where: Germain Arena
TV: B2 Network
Radio: Sportsradio 770AM
Web site: www.floridaeverblades.com
* Requires FREE Online Registration to view or use www.bugmenot.com
- Mood: bored
========================================
Rochester Americans
========================================
Next Game: Syracuse Cruch (15-11-2) at Rochester Americans (16-13-1)
When: 7:05 PM, Thursday, December 22
Where: Blue Cross Arena
TV: B2 Networks, Time Warner Cable Channel 98 Saturday at 12:30 p.m.
Radio: WHTK 1280 AM /www.whtk.com
Web site: www.amerks.com (includes link to B2 Networks $6 web cast).
Daniel Paille picked up two goals and two assists in four games last week, giving him seven points in 11 games for Rochester this season.
Jiri Novotny had a goal and an assist in Friday’s win over Grand Rapids.
The Americans continue to lead the AHL in power-play efficiency at 23.5 percent, scoring 48 goals on 204 chances in 30 games.
Rochester sports group helps Salvation Army
http://www.amerks.com/PressReleases.asp
========================================
Florida Everblades
========================================
Tonight: Pensacola Ice Pilots (10-11-3) at Florida
Everblades (15-7-1)
When: Wednesday, December 21; 7:30 PM
Where: Germain Arena
TV: B2 Network
Radio: Sportsradio 770AM
Web site: www.floridaeverblades.com
Blades refuse to fold despite injuries
Florida returns home as division leader
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.d
Blades look to extend dominance at Germain *
http://www.naplesnews.com/npdn/sp_everb
Defenseman Bryce Charpentier skated with the team Tuesday for the first time since being placed on the IR in November.
Ryan Brindley and Paul Cabana are questionable for tonight's game.
The Pilots received goalie Frederic Cloutier back but lost center Chris St. Jacques to call ups. St. Jacques is tied for the league lead with four shorthand goals.
This is the second meeting between the two teams this season. The Everblades won the previous meeting, 4-2 at Germain Arena. Daniel Sisca had two goals and an assist in that game.
In his last two starts, Pensacola's Todd Ford is 2-0-0 with a .947 save percentage, stopping 71 of 75 shots.
Florida has won league-high 10-straight home games with only loss coming on opening night (Oct. 28).
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- Mood: blah
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