Monday, February 28, 2011

Bits and Pieces

Lets get the bad news out of the way first.

- Blades lost Sunday. Booo.

Now for the fun stuff.

- I finally got the photos from Pink in the Rink up on Flickr. At some point the Bolts practice will be up. No idea when that will be.

- Love this story from the Pink in the Rink jersey auction. I'm proud to love the same team as that amazing couple.

- I think this is the blogs new motto:

funny pictures - It duzent matter weather u win or lose....
see more Lolcats and funny pictures

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Re-Cap: Everblades vs. Stingrays (2/26/11)

(Bare bones re-cap, sorry people)

If there was a worse time to lose your two leading scorers, captain, and both your goalies, it would probably be when you take on the team your fighting with for a playoff spot. Unfortunately, that's just where the Blades find themselves in their weekend series with the Stingrays.

------------------------------

The first period was played very tight. Both teams were determined to come out on top. A goal from Matt Beca that beat former Blade goalie Shane Owen at 17:36 was the only tally in the period. Thanks to some great saves from recently signed goalie Adam Avromenko the Blades led at the end of the period 1-0.

--------------------------------

The Stingrays came out swinging in the second. A misplayed puck allowed the Rays to tie it up 1-1 a little over two minutes into the period. About nine minutes later they took the 2-1 lead. The Blades could not get anything going and were kept of the board as a result. At the end of the period the score remained 2-1.

---------------------------------

In almost the reverse of the second period the Blades scored about two minutes in. The goal, from Ian McDonald, tied things up 2-2. The teams traded chances for most of the period. Unfortunately, the Stingrays were able to rip one past Avromenko at the 17:56 mark to take the 3-2 lead. Though they tried, the Blades just couldn't answer back before the final buzzer sounded. They trailed SOG 18-39.

----------------------------------

Some thoughts:
- At this point the power play can only be described as impotent. We can't go 0 for 5 in a must win game.
- Thank god the penalty kill is chugging along. Otherwise we'd be paying for all the incredibly stupid penalties.
- I will continue to argue that we need to sign (or keep) a goalie on an ECHL contract.
- Why not Avronmenko? He stopped 36 of 39 shots. That's not too shabby when you compare it to Owen's 16 saves on 18 shots.
- That reminds me... how about we try shooting more? Seems to work for other teams.

Friday, February 25, 2011

Friday Links

Sorry for the unplanned vacation, but I didn't think any big news would happen. Of course I was wrong, so I'll do a quick round-up of that news first.

- Francis Lemieux and Alex Imbeault were both signed to try-out contracts with the Road Warriors affiliate the Connecticut Whale. You can read a little about how they've been doing here.

- Malcolm Cameron was fired. This is when being an independent fan blogger comes in handy... I'm happy. He chased away my favorite Everblade of all time as well as some other players I liked. Karma sucks doesn't it Mally?

- Matt Stamkos Beca was named the ECHL player of the week. Way to go dude!

- The Blades signed yet another Augusta RiverHawk (can we just sign an affiliation with them already?), D-man Joe Tolles. His stats (he's on Twitter too):


On to the fun!
- Your Wikipedia hockey page- "Neutral Zone Trap"

- No idea why I found this time-line of the history of the SPHL interesting, but I did.

- Good lord. I take back everything I said about the holiday jerseys.

100_1340

- Can't say I'm a big fan of this Stanley Cup replica. I like the bear though.

- Third String Goalie has a great look at a 1980 US Olympic team jersey (yes, that team).

- There's a new website for ECHL fans to get together and chat.

- Awwww. Poor kitty.

funny pictures - That's odd. These cushions should be level. Wonder why mine is so much lower?
see more Lolcats and funny pictures

Monday, February 21, 2011

THANK YOU

The FGCU D2 & D3 Ice Eagles would like to thank their fans for all of their support during the 2010-11 Hockey Season. Be sure to check out the ACHA Website for Updates as BOTH Florida Gulf Coast University Hockey teams head to their National Tournaments. D2 heads to San, Jose California and D3 heads to Hope, Michigan.



Be loud, be proud & GO EAGLES!

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Re-Cap: Everblades vs. Gladiators (2/19/11)


It was a pretty full house that watched the second game in the Everblades series with the Gladiators. For much of the game it looked like the Glads were going to walk away victorious, but the Blades never gave up.

--------------------------------------

The boys did look a bit sluggish during the first period. That sluggish play allowed Gwinnett to score first around the 13 minute mark. About a minute and a half later Drew Larman made it a 1-1 game. Unfortunately the Glads tallied another about three minutes later after a mad scramble around goalie Jaroslav Janus to take the lead yet again. With neiiter team scoring in the remaining time the score at the end of the period remained 2-1.

--------------------------------------

When the Blades scored three minutes into the second there was a feeling that maybe the momentum was shifting. It certainly seemed like the Blades were going to start taking over. The goal, a nearly carbon-copy repeat of his Stamkos-esque goal Friday night, evened it up 2-2.



You could see that Gwinnett was starting to fall back into their usual thuggish style of play when one of their players basically took a run at Janus. Bobby Raymond mixed up with the scumbag Glads player while Janus struggled on the ice in obvious pain. It looked as though emergency back-up Brian Markowicz would finally get his chance, but Janus was able to stay in the game. Amazingly, there was no call made on the obvious intent to injure Janus. Instead mutual roughing calls were made.



It remained tied up for most of the second until Gwinnett was able to take the lead for the third time while on the four on four. Luckily, the Gladiators just couldn't help themselves and took two idiotic penalties in a row to give the Blades a 5 on 3 power play. The Blades took advantage of their misstep and evened it up 3-3 thanks to a goal from Mathieu Roy at the 19:20 mark. The period ended with that score, and you could tell that the momentum had really shifted towards the Blades.

-------------------------------------

 The third period was a pretty exciting one. Francis Lemieux  opened the scoring about four minutes into the period and gave the Blades their first lead of the night.



Not to be outdone by his linemate, Alex Imbeault scored his first of the night around two minutes later while on the power play to make it 5-3. Two and a half minutes after that, Tony Mosey scored his third of the year to make it 6-3. A few minutes later, Raymond mixed it up yet again with one of the Glads, earning a fighting major for his efforts.


Things were pretty back and forth until Imbeault decided to twist the proverbial knife with another goal to make it 7-3. Things got a little rough after that and Evgeny Timkin mixed it up with one of the Glads. The period ended with the Blades earning a hard-fought 7-3 victory. Of course the final buzzer sounding was not without its drama. One of the Glads did something to David Fischer (the fact that it happened in front of me and I really wasn't paying attention is embarrassing). Timkin decided to take on the Gladiator he had mixed it up with earlier as a result. The Blades trailed the final SOG 43-51. The score-sheet is here.


The three stars: Janus, Lemieux, Imbeault

---------------------------------------

Some thoughts:
- As I said last re-cap, if you don't believe Bobby Raymond is one of the best players on the team you suck.
- I don't know if it's the regular starts, finding his groove, or rising to theoccasion with Goepfert out, but Jaro Janus has been impressive lately.


- I said this last night on Twitter but it bears repeating, with a goal and an almost goal from Beca in the same spot, why didn't the Glads cover him better?
- That being said the Blades should make it a rule to pass to Beca whenever he's open and ready for the one-timer.

----------------------------------------

After the game, the Blades auctioned off the specialty jerseys. If I'm correct we raised over $16,000 for local cancer charitites! Here's what everyone earned:
- Bobby Goepfert: $500
- Ross Carlson: $700
- Trevor Hendrikx: $500
- Mike Egener: $550
- Tim Spencer: $450
- Cedric McNicoll: $400
- Alex Hutching: $400
- Swampee: $700
- Elgin Reid: $600
- Ian McDonald: $450
- Jared Staal: $1050
- Matt Beca: $700
- Tony Mosey: $500
- Mathieu Roy: $700
- Ernie Hartlieb: $1800
- Alex Imbeault: $600
- Mitch Fadden: $600
- David Fischer: $500
- Engeny Timkin: $450
- Bobby Raymond: $700
- J.F. David: $650
- Francis Lemieux: $1200
- Drew Larman: $850
- Jaroslav Janus: $900

Friday, February 18, 2011

Re-Cap: Everblades vs. Gladiators (2/18/11)

With the end of the season approaching and the playoff looming on the horizon, every win is becoming more and more important. The Blades must stay afloat in what has to be the most competitive division in the league if they hope to even get a chance at a playoff run. Games against teams in the division become games that must not be lost. Add to the mix a team the Blades have a long standing rivalry with and it was obvious we were going to have a great game.

Did I mention it's Pink in the Rink?

Owly Images
(I think the Jerseys came out very nice)

-----------------------------------

The Blades were very much in control for the early part of the first period. They were quickly rewarded with a goal at the 1:07 mark from Elgin Reid to give the Blades the 1-0 lead. The Blades were able to maintain the pressure for a few minutes. Unfortunately, the Gladiators woke up from whatever funk they had been and started to respond with pressure of their own. They managed to outwork the Everblades and were able to tie it up at the 9:33 mark. Neither team was able to get the lead and they left the ice tied up 1-1.

----------------------------------

The Blades didn't start off on the best foot in the second when they gave up a goal 53 seconds in to give the Gladiators the lead. That seemed to wake the Blades up, and they started in on the Gladiators once again. Alex Imbeault tied it 2-2 with a lovely goal at the 7:37 mark. Four minutes later, Matt Beca was able to take advantage of a five on three with a very Steve Stamkos-esque one timer (Seriously, I wish I had it on film, what a stunning goal). That gave the Blades the 3-2 lead.

Owly Images


Jared Staal made it 4-2 seven minutes later on a beautiful breakaway (I also wish I got that one on video). The last minute or so of the period was uneventful and the period ended with the Blades up 4-2 on the Gladiators.

-----------------------------------

The Glads tried their hardest to come back, but goalie Jaroslav Janus gave his best impression of a brick wall and denied every shot that came his way. Tony Mosey tallied his second goal as an Everblade at the 5:38 mark to add to the Everblades cushion. The Gladiators kept the pressure up, but they just couldn't figure Janus out. The final score was 5-2 and the Blades led the shots on goal 35-29. The game sheet is here.

Three stars: 3. Imbeault, 2. Lemieux, 1. Beca

-----------------------------------

Owly Images

( I loved the Gladiators goalies mask. The Mask on his mask!)

Some thoughts:
- I'm really liking the newest Blade, J.F. David. 1 assist, a +3, and 3 shots? Awesome.
- If you don't think Bobby Raymond is one of the best players on the team you suck.
- Gwinnett was as undisciplined as they always are. They should not have given up 7 power play chances.
- Thank god the Blades were able to convert on the power play finally. Though 1 for 7 is not exactly stellar.
- Matt Beca is starting to impress me. 1 goal and 2 assists as well as a near goal quite similar to his power play tally.
- Love the Pink in the Rink Jerseys. Might have to work a little magic with my budget and bid on one tomorrow.

Friday Links

It's been a long week without Everblades hockey. Thankfully, they play tonight. Best of all, they wear their special Pink in the Rink jerseys tonight!

- Your Wikipedia hockey page for today- "Three Stars"

- I love this memory box! It's a little out of my price range though...

- Its the Stanley Cup! Made out of cake! Is there anything more awesome?!

stanley cup cake

- I love this story on Bobby Goepfert. Of course... I love anything that involves Goepfert.

- Which reminds me, Greatest Hockey Legends had a recent post with a little history on goalie fights.

- If you're not reading Chasing Checkers you're missing out. The recent post on the success of undrafted players was wonderful. 

- What would Friday be without a kitty?

funny pictures - Challenge accepted
see more Lolcats and funny pictures

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

YouTube Tuesday

Because I'm still eight at heart I absolutely adore these videos.







I don't know about you guys, but I never was able to make anything as cool as that. I could make an ginormous tower that always managed to send Lego in every direction when I "accidentally" bumped it.

Friday, February 11, 2011

Friday Links

Happy Friday everyone! Here's your weekly dose of fantasic links to keep you busy until the Everblades game tonight.

- I wasn't able to see Wednesday's game (because a certain local restaurant that advertises that they show Everblades games doesn't, in fact, play Everblades games). You can read a re-cap here.

- One of our local boys scored his first professional goal. Congrats!

- Your Wikipedia hockey page for today- "Ice Hockey Broadcasting"

- I love this post from Third String Goalie about this jersey from 1915.

-Thank god another ECHL team has decided to top the hideousness of the Everblades holiday jerseys.

- OK, I have to admit, this hockey puck clock is kind of neat.

- Random speculation and complaints about the ECHL is par for the course, but this conversation was interesting to me at least.

- There are a lot of former Everblades doing really well this year according to this list.

- Down Goes Brown is hilarious (as usual).

- What's Friday without a kitty?

funny pictures - I fought the ball and the ball won.
see more Lolcats and funny pictures

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

YouTube Wednesday

Happy Wednesday! The Blades are in Cincinnati for a game tonightt.. Hopefully, they can come away with some much needed points. Until then, enjoy a video of Kevin Fukala and T.J. Reynolds fighting from a game back in January.

Monday, February 7, 2011

News and Notes

- I got the pictures from the Wednesday and Friday Everblades games up on the blogs Flickr stream.

- Three new videos from those two games are up on the blogs YouTube channel.

- The lovely HockeyBroad was at Saturday's Everblades game and her pictures can be found on her Flickr stream.

- Someone got the video of Mike McKenzie's fight on Saturday up on YouTube:



- I was at the Jr. Blades game on Thursday, pictures from that game are up on the Flickr stream as well.

- Looks like Bobby Goepfert will finally be getting a break. The Lightning have sent Jaroslav Janus down to the Blades.

- I forgot to mention, the Blades also signed a new forward, Ian McDonald. His stats:



- The Blades also let Ed Snetsinger go. The Victoria Salmon Kings claimed his rights. He either reports to Victoria or goes back to the SPHL Agusta River Hawks.

We Have a Winner!

I got some pretty good re-caps, and a haiku, but the re-cap Matt (@5hol3) sent me was the best. The winning re-cap of Saturday's game:

Here's my recap.  Painful revisiting it, but..
  • The first period seemed to mirror the first period on Friday night.  After 2 quick Everblade shots in the first minute, the Road Warriors controlled all of the play.
  • Goepfert was amazing.  Again.
  • Its very easy for me to tell how bad the Everblades are playing in the first period based on at what point my wife complains that her neck is sore from staring all the way down to the other end of the ice.  This occurred at around 8 minutes in.  That's very early.
  • It did appear the referees were going to let the boys play, which, as soon as I made that observation was inevitably followed by a ridiculous interference call on Phil Paquet, and the resulting Greenville goal to make it 1-0.
  • Once again, the second period seemed to shift momentum back to the Everblades.  They looked quick, sharp and controlled much of the puck time.  Not good for my wife's neck, but good for our team.
  • Ethan Graham brought the house down with a rocket from the left circle, scoring shorthanded to tie the game at 1-1.
  • The 2nd period ended with Mathieu Roy getting a stick to the head from our good friend T.J Reynolds while down on the ice.  Mike McKenzie jumped in to defend him, didn't do very well, but did what he had to.  All Reynolds got was a 'roughing' penalty, while Roy got called for slashing.  Insanity.
  • In the 3rd, things seemed pretty even, until the Blades broke out and scored two quick brilliant goals by Alex Hutchings.  The first was a nifty play by Lemieux to send the two of them in 2 on 1, perfect pass and a perfect finish to give the Blades the lead.
  • Why doesn't Bobby Raymond play more forward?  Holy crow what a rush down the left and with a pinpoint pass and deflection, the Blades took a 3-1 lead.
  • Then the stomach punching began.  30 seconds later, Greenville cut the lead to 1 when Carroll was left alone in front of the net.  He could have bought Bobby dinner and drinks before he scored.  3-2.
  • Of course, this goal seemed to put the Blades on their heels, which, is a magnet for more horrible ECHL referring.  Mike Egener got called for a silly tripping call, which naturally resulted in the tying goal.
  • The rest of the 3rd period was a blur, I couldn't watch half the time as every time I would look over, Bobby would have to make some ridiculous sprawling save.
  • This happened at least 4-5 more times until OT ended and the shootout began.
  • It took 12 rounds for Greenville to win the game.  Goepfert looked exhausted towards the end of it and how could he not be.  It was a game which Florida didn't deserve to win, but were given another point by their goalie, who has earned some time off.
  • It was a hard loss to swallow.  So many ups and downs, but again we left disappointed.  Greenville showed why they're the best team in the league.  They're better than the Blades right now, and it shows.
 Congrats Matt! You win a Bobby Goepfert t-shirt and the honor of calling yourself a guest writer on Swamp Hockey (I'm sure that's the best part).

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Impulsive Contest Time!

So here's the deal. Writing re-caps of Saturday games is a little tough for me to do. So, why not turn my problem into something fun for everyone. You have until Sunday at 7:00 to write your own re-cap and e-mail it to me at SwampHockey@gmail.com. The writer of the best re-cap will win a Goepfert t-shirt. Make sure you include the name (or pseudonym) you want to be credited with. Don't be afraid to shoot me an e-mail if you have any questions. Good luck.

Friday, February 4, 2011

Hott of the press: FGCU HOCKEY!

Come one, come all and get your reading eyes ready as these articles courtesy of FGCU EagleNews writers MELISSA BELL and KAITLYN BRANDT have hit the press. Please see to the following links for more information:

http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2011/jan/20/club-hockey-fgcu-hosts-gulf-coast-clash/

http://www.nbc-2.com/global/story.asp?s=13948732

http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2011/jan/26/club-hockey-fgcus-winning-streak-stands/

On behalf of FGCU Hockey, thank you all for your support and dedication. As this Season comes to a close end, please check out the rest of this year's schedule:

February 4th 2011 D3 vs USF *Last D3 Home Game of the Season
February 11th & 12th D2 vs KENNESAW *Student Government Night
February 18th & 19th D2 vs Palm Beach Jr. *Last Home Game of the Season

ALL Games are at 8:30 PM at the BLUE RINK in GERMAIN ARENA. Parking is FREE and Admission is $5.

*****CONGRATULATIONS TO EAGLE NEWS WRITERS MELISSA BELL AND KAITLYN BRANDT FOR THEIR PUBLISHINGS*****

Be loud, be proud & GO EAGLES!

Friday Links

Happy Friday people! Here's some links to keep you busy until tonight's big game.

- If you haven't heard, one of our NHL affiliates, the Lightning, are having a month long home-stand. It's pretty cool, but what's cooler is their plans to come down here and practice. They haven't announced dates, but who cares? It will be awesome!

- T.J. Reynolds was suspended and fined for that little altercation with the fan at Wednesday's game. Can we just agree not to throw things at the big aggressive athletes? Taunting is OK, in fact I encourage it, but lets not give them a reason to use those sticks they carry. Mmmmmkay?

- This just seems wrong. Why turn a perfectly good jersey into a dress you'll look silly wearing?

- A new blog covering the Charlotte Checkers just started up. Can't wait to see it when things get going.

- I just... I have no idea... what in the world?

- Your Wikipedia hockey page for today- "Ceremonial First Puck"

- Only one day left on this Blades jersey signed by the 2007 Blades. Not really sure if it's the 06-07 squad or the 07-08 group though.

- Kitty time!

funny pictures - When you went away on vacation, I felt so depressed & irritated - it was like you never left.
see more Lolcats and funny pictures

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Re-Cap: Everblades vs. Road Warriors (2/2/11)

The Everblades started what would be the biggest series so far this season. With the division leading Greenville Road Warriors coming to town, they had to string together some wins if they hoped to put themselves in a good position going into the later half of the year.

Starting line-up: Raymond, Fischer, Carlson, Hutchings, McKenzie.

----------------------------------------------

I don't know what got into them, but the Blades came out strong in the first period. I don't know if the Road Warriors were struggling (they didn't look as controlled and dominant as I remember from the last few games), or if it was all the Everblades.


It didn't really matter though, the Blades were able to score first, thanks to Bobby Raymond's fourth goal of the year. The teams traded chances until the closing minutes. Then the Road Warriors started to let their frustrations show.
While on the penalty kill for an interference call, one of the Road Warriors shot the puck over the glass. It actually flew all the way down to the other end and hit a fan sitting behind the net in the jaw. Luckily, the guy was all right, and the Blades were able to convert on their 5 on 3 with about 15 seconds left on the first penalty. The goal, Ethan Graham's first goal of the year, gave the Blades the 2-0 lead heading into the first intermission. One of the Road Warriors continued the teams undisciplined play by going after Alex Hutchings after the buzzer for the end of the period sounded. It didn't matter though, because the Blades held the 2-0 lead and had the Road Warriors on their toes for most of the period.

-----------------------------------------------

The Road Warriors continued to shoot themselves in the foot to start the second. After killing off the penalty that carried over from the first, they proceeded to take another, after killing that off they took another! The Blades weren't able to convert on any of those chances.


Oddly enough, it was an incredibly fluky goal that happened shortly after all these chances. Mathieu Roy took a pass from drew Larman and somehow it slipped off his stick and trickled right through the Road Warriors goalies five-hole. Since hockey doesn't give points for pretty goals the Blades were happy to take it and the 3-0 lead.

 (Is there anything as sad as a goalies posture after a fluke goal?)

You could tell Greenville's frustration levels were at their peak. Even their goalie was looking for a fight. They managed to ruin goalie Bobby Goepfert's shut-out while Mike Egener was in the box for hooking to make it 3-1. Aside from plenty of scufles, there wasn't any more action in the period and both teams left the ice with the score still at 3-1.

------------------------------------------------

The Everblades came out they way they should have in the third. around the six minute mark Ross Carlson notched the Blades second power play goal of the night to make it 4-1. That seemed to make Greenvilles frustration level grow even more.


Road Warrior captain T.J. Reynolds and Roy got into a bit of a tussle, and each received matching roughing penalties. There was a lot of jawing between the two as they went to the boxes. Unfortunately, one of the fans behind the penalty box Reynolds was in thought throwing popcorn at the one of the players Blades fans seem to dislike the most. As a player that has had been involved with a fan in the past, you can imagine his reaction. He struck the glass once, and when the fan continued to give him trouble he struck the glass a second time. He actually broke the glass, and apparently, a shard flew into the stands. Obviously, he received a game misconduct and was escorted off the ice to loud cheers.


Too bad the Blades took a dumb penalty shortly after that to give the Road Warriors a 5 on 3 chance they were able to convert on to make it 4-2. The Road Warriors continued to put on the pressure they had been applying for most of the second period, and peppered Goepfert with tons of shots. It didn't matter though because he gave his best impression of a brick wall and denied them. Even with their goalie pulled for the extra attacker the Road Warriors couldn't score, and the Blades were able to get an empty net goal from Mike McKenzie to make it 5-2. The Game sheet is here.

The three stars: Raymond, Goepfert, Carlson.

--------------------------------------------------

Some thoughts:
- I've said it the last few games, Goepfert's been amazing since coming back from the all-star break. He stopped 37 of 39 shots.
- It was pretty pathetic to see Greenville focus most of their attention on Mike McKenzie. Good for him for refusing to sink to their goonery.
- Actually, all the Blades stayed pretty disciplined through out the game. Considering the liberties the Road Warriors took, it was amazing.
- I was actually a little sad to see the Road Warriors sink to that level. I really thought they were better than that.
- Bobby Raymond continues to be the most underrated player on the squad. If he doesn't get an AHL contract next season something's wrong with the hockey world.
- Except for a few lapses and letting up a bit in the third, the Blade played a really solid game. I hope they keep it up.
- The officiating sucked as usual, way too many calls against Greenville in the first half and make-up calls on the Blades in the last.


Hopefully, the ECHL learned from the last time a visiting team came in and the game got out of hand. Friday and Saturday are going to be repeats of the Gladiators and Royals series if they don't crack down. Of course, we won't know which direction this series is going to go in until Friday. It's going to be a tough games for sure.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

YouTube Tuesday

Happy Tuesday everyone. Today's video comes from the recent game in Kalamazoo.



It's good to see Alex Hutchings sticking up for himself. After coming back from injury and playing as well as he has been, he really does need to let the other teams know he isn't going to be pushed around.

I also have to link you guys to the awesome pictures Hockey Broad took while she was in Kalamazoo. You can check them out on Flickr here. The best part of the set? She got a great picture of Gary Go-Blades!