It's Finally Here

  We're skipping the usual Friday Links post to bring you a special post featuring Chelsea's writing and my photos, a one two punch of mind-blowing blog-nificence to celebrate the long dull off-season finally being over.

 

The morning has dawned on the Everblades first preseason game. The long summer is over, the ice is set and the Florida Everblades are set to take on the Orlando Solar Bears. 

Four years ago I stopped by the Everblades training camp for the first time. I had just transferred down to Florida from Connecticut and I was still looking for my place in the universe. I sat alone in the main arena as the players took the ice and I had a moment of well being surround me.

I’m not an athlete, I can’t skate to save my life, but hockey is my home. I’ve since decided to work in hockey and have gotten to experience some great moments. Walking into an empty arena with the hum of the air conditioner and the subtle (not subtle at ALL) hockey smell is soothing.

As I made my yearly trip to training camp I saw some differences from previous years. This year I wasn’t the only one sitting in the stands. There were Everblades t-shirts and sweaters with little kids trying to peak over the glass. 

There also weren’t many players on the ice. The AHL training camps over lapped with the ECHL this year. The early days of training camp brought back Everblades favorites and regulars like Mathieu Roy, Matt Marquardt, Trevor Bruess and long time emergency back up Brian Markowicz.

The ‘Blades affiliates sent reinforcements yesterday. The Kelly Cup squad is reassembling with the additions of David Rutherford, Joe Sova, Matt Beca, Pat Nagle and Bobby Raymond. There are several newcomers for the season including goalie Rob Madore. 

So in the spirit of the season here are the three things you should know about tonights game:

1. Which mascot would win in a fight?

It’s Swampee versus a polar bear in sunglasses. While polar bears are ferocious, Swampee is an alligator on ‘roids. I may be biased, but I’m giving this round to Swampee.

2. Don't forget the goalies.

It’s easy to talk goals and hits, but don’t forget the goalies. Last years playoff MVP was goaltender John Muse. While his play was superb, so were his idiosyncrasies and routines. Watch the warm up and see what you learn.

3. Say cheese!

Take pictures. It really is an experience and you never know what gems you’ll produce. You’ll also be able to get up close and personal in Breakaways after the game. Let the guys eat, but they’ll stop by and say hi and take photos. I hear Rutherford had his teeth replaced this summer so he’s ready for the camera.

It should be a good match up with the resurrected Solar Bears. Don’t expect perfection, the preseason is a place of learning and experimentation, but do expect a good game. The Everblades almost always deliver.

Recap: Everblades vs. Kalamazoo (05/03/12 & 05/04/12)

Here’s the skinny...

The Everblades won on Wednesday (7-0) and Thursday (7-3). Yes, I know you were expecting at least part of this news yesterday, but I was totally slacking (not really mydaywasterribleandifitcouldgowrongitdid). However, the bright sunny patch was the Everblades win.

On the plus side you now get a double helping of recap and a fun surprise at the end.

Everblades vs. Kalamazoo 05/02/12

7th Man
Big props to the Everblades fan base for uniting and showing support. While attendance was only in the 3,000’s (1,000ish more than in KZoo) it was a good showing for weekday games. Also, the fan participation is superb and the creativity keeps on flowing. 

 

Becca? 
I try not to be too harsh, but Matt Beca's name was misspelled again. This happened at the beginning of the season, but was corrected after the first game. Apparently someone forgot to delete the file. While not chronological, Mike Ratchuk also suffered some name butchering on the jumbotron with an added e.

Middle frame madness
The Everblades had a ridiculous second period. I’ll say it again: Brayden Irwin. Irwin scored three goals on five shots. The man was on fire. Hat’s off to you Mr. Irwin.

Muse-ic to my ears
I’m going to continuously make muse-ic puns, you’ll just have to deal. John Muse recorded his first post-season shutout, stopping all 28 Kalamazoo shots. 

Gator Showers
As number one indicates the fans have been a huge part of this years playoff push. They have spawned a new tradition: after wins, tiny plastic alligators sprinkle onto the ice. The players have even adopted it as a hashtag on twitter #gatorshowers. 

*honorable mention: I only ever list five officially, but Mathieu Roy’s goal was highlight reel worthy. 

For the score sheet click here

Everblades vs. Kalamazoo 05/03/12

Roy is a boss
There is a serious reason he is the captain. Everyone likes a player who is willing to sacrifice their body. Mathieu Roy is that man. There was a time during the game after he blocked two shots that all I could say was, “the marks on that poor mans body”. However, Roy is well Roy and whether it be his fearless shot blocking, penchant for fisticuffs or love of cats Everblades fans rightly love him.

Blood in the water
Kalamazoo’s Nick Sirota delivered a high stick that caused blood to pool on the ice. For that he earned himself a nice double minor. His teammate Mike Matczak added a cross check to give the ‘Blades a five on three opportunity. David Fischer quickly cashed in.

Brayyyyyyyden Irrrrrrwinnnnn
Brayden Irwin once again put on a show. Selected as the first star of the game, Irwin was a +3 with four points (1g, 3a) on the night. All the haters can officially suck it.

You scored! 
Charles Landry’s face was priceless. As was his interaction with Cedric McNicoll as McNicoll assured Landry it was his goal. The first period tally was Landry’s third all time as an Everblade and first of the playoffs.

Please don’t stop the Muse-ic
Yes, another poor pun. In all seriousness Muse was definitely interesting from a stats perspective. He shows up all over the score sheet in some unexpected (not really it’s Muse. Expect the unexpected). He was penalized for tripping, earned a secondary assist on the final goal and stopped 28 shots for the second night in a row. What’s the goalie equivalent to a hat trick?






Honorable mention: David Rutherford played like a beast. His speed was essential and his two goals are nothing to shrug off. 

For the score sheet click here

Alright, now it’s time for your surprise. Swamphockey and I braved Breakaways to secure you guys some autographed pictures. 8 x 10 photos are gorgeous and signed by the individual player. 

Now I’m sure you’re asking yourself “how do I get one?”. Well, it’s pretty easy... just be the first person to answer the trivia question in the comments section correctly (hint: the answers in the blog).

Question: Who do I claim has an “Ovi inspired goal celebration”?