Recap: Preseason Blades vs. Bears

Recap: Preseason Blades vs. Bears

When I guest recap I usually bring you five of my highlights from the game. Whether it’s the long summer or an over abundance of entertainment, Friday’s preseason game yielded 10 gems.

1. Bobby Raymond’s Ever Changing Number
In the 2010-11 season, his first with the Everblades Raymond sported the number five. Fans and jersey collectors alike snapped up the d-man’s jersey and squirreled it away for hockey seasons to come. Then in 2011-12 to the horror of his fan club he switched over to number 19. 

The fan club was reassured that this was Bobby’s preferred number so they buckled down and started once again collecting Raymond #19 merchandise. 

To the agony of his fans Raymond has done another switch. Sporting #21 in the preseason. Everblade newcomer Peter Kopecky is rocking the coveted #19. If Raymond stays with #21 you will see an abundance of mismatched Raymond paraphernalia sure to confuse fans for years to come. 

2. Athletic Republic

Athletic Republic is the official training center of the Florida Everblades of the ECHL. They supply the team with the best conditioning in the league and in a pinch a few players. Sports performance coordinator Todd Pococke suited up for the Everblades in their preseason contest. A graduate of Ferris State University, Pococke played hockey for the division I Bulldogs, but hadn’t played competitively for a year and a half. 

“It (playing minor pro) wasn’t part of my plan,” said Pococke. “but I’m happy to get the opportunity and the chance.”

Pococke was essentially neutral in the game having three shots on goal, but more importantly helping to fill out the roster. It’s likely that the Everblades will have a few more players sent to down in the coming weeks from their AHL affiliates. 

3. A Hat Trick- Almost
Two Everblades had multi-goal nights. David Rutherford and Corey Trivino. Rutherford a fan favorite, joined the Everblades after the NHL lockout forced an influx of players into the Checkers system. 

Trivino, is looking to rehab his image and career after an unfortunate incident during his time at Boston University. Trivino was a 2008 draft pick of the New York Islanders. If you can earn forgiveness by scoring goals, Trivino knocked two off his list.

4. Money Money Money
Winning the Kelly Cup has brought many things to Germain Arena, including sponsors. This years ice is decorated to the max with sponsorship logos. Some of the dasher board ads are creative and definitely got a laugh from me.

5. The Solar Bears
There was much speculation about the newly resurrected Solar Bears team. A team built with several large and gritty players delivered what you’d expect. I’d say they were reminiscent of the 2010-11 Road Warriors to make a comparison. 

While pesky, the Everblades are no slouch in the grit department so not too much to worry about. However, the Solar Bear uniforms are fantastic. Not as garish as years past the designers managed to incorporate teal accents and the distinctive solar bear sun burst into the primarily purple jersey. I give the jerseys two thumbs up.

6. McLanget
Longtime Everblades fans may remember red heads passed, Steve McJannet and Ryan Lang. McJannet was a feisty man known for his scrapping and was affectionately dubbed “Trouble” by the Swamphockey staff. 

Lang, showed flashes of brilliance, but eventually his time with the Everblades came to an end. 

Enter Brandon MacLean. MacLean earned his way into the Everblades memories scrapbook with his overtime winner that sealed the Kelly Cup for the ‘Blades. He’s not a scrappy as McJannet and has more talent then Lang, so McLanget may not be a fair moniker, but GWG doesn’t roll off the tongue in the same fashion.

7. Unsung Hero
Josh Martin, a defenseman on tryout with the Everblades had a big night with zero points. Martin, blocked shots and helped make chances. He was a +4 for the game and was probably the biggest unsung hero. With a shortage of d-men on the current Everblades roster (forward Matt Marquardt subbed into defense for the game) there is a very good chance that Martin will make the opening day roster. 

8. A Sense of Familiarity with a Twist

Pat Nagle was returned to the Everblades from the Syracuse Crunch of the AHL. The net-minder spent the 2012-13 season with the Everblades and helped them hoist the Kelly Cup. 

While, John Muse is credited with much of the playoff success, Nagle was instrumental in getting them there, offering a solid option for call ups and injuries. While seeing new goalies is an exciting learning experience, Nagles presence was a soothing influence, until it wasn’t.

While I often say preseason is a time for experimentation, Nagle’s decision to be a puck playing goalie almost made my heart stop. I love a puck playing goalie, and Nagle recovered from a few missteps with the three goals against coming from more traditional errors.

I’m not complaining, like I said, I LOVE puck playing goalies, but next time give a girl some warning.

9. Shut up. Be cool.
If you haven’t figured it out by now, I’m not your traditional hockey writer or fan. I like nothing more than to pick out the useless, but entertaining pieces and mix them with some actual hockey knowledge. 

So in that spirit the quote of the game goes to none other than the lovely Swamphockey.   “Shut up. Be cool.” was uttered to Caity Kauffman and me as the game began and really set the tone for the night.

Shutting up isn’t our style and led to chants of, “Baker you STILL suck.” 

Look for a white board in the stands next weekend. That’s all I’m saying. 

10. Celebrity Look-A-Likes

We missed it last year, but usually there is a “Seeing Stars” post. I can’t resist making the comparison so I’m jumping the gun. Greg Poss your celebrity look-a-like is Patrick Swayze. 

A pictures worth 1,000 words so I’m leaving you with two to compare.

Recap: Everblades vs. Jackals (04/20/12)

Not to take away from Swamphockey’s earlier post because let’s face it the Everblades made it to the Eastern Conference Finals and not much else matters in the moment. However, I’d feel remiss if I didn’t share my experiences from the game (its cathartic).

Return of the Shuggernaut

I’ve been waiting to use this title since rumors started circulating that Justin Shugg would return. While part of the game was spent making Shugg puns (Shuggie, Shuggle, ect.) the other part was spent watching Shugg try to generate some offense for the Blades. Shugg put the puck on net six times and assisted on the tying goal midway through the third period. 

Roysy the Cat

Everblades veteran and captain Mathieu Roy scored the game winner with two minutes remaining in the third period ending a tortuously tense game. He went on record with Naples Daily News, saying it felt like an overtime goal. From a fans perspective I’d agree whole heartedly. In unrelated news the captain joined twitter this week. You can follow him @roysythecat and he comes with several ringing endorsements from teammates. 

You’ve Been Bruessed

Trevor Bruess plays balls to the wall. He’s often overlooked on the stats sheet but watching him play is a pleasure. He hits hard, battles hard and celebrates hard. A regular on “Collision of the Game” Bruess came out to win on Friday night. He contributed the primary assist on Roy’s GWG and appeared excellent in the circle (I have no real statistical evidence for this, but its true. Really it is. See it’s in writing). 

(Regardless) Stewart Shines

Yes, I understand this is an Everblades fan blog. However, there are times that other players capture my attention. Brian Stewart takes a lot of crap for his playing style. It’s different. He spends the time between plays stretching and focusing. Is it different? yes. Is it wrong? not necessarily. Everyone is different and I honestly believe that the better team won in the series, BUT after facing 186 shots in the series the dude deserves some credit. 

A Nod for Nagle

Since I gave some goalie love to the opposing teams net-minder I feel it’s only just to give a nod to Nagle. Nagle was steady in net for the Blades. Showing a stalwart determination that is essential for success. Nagle has posted W in his last three playoff starts, instilling confidence in his teammates and the ever skeptical seventh man. 

*Honorable Mention: This games honorable mention goes to Bobby Raymond. I almost spit my beer as he was whistled for slashing. Swamphockey (in jest, though she is a big fan), “Bobby Raymond? Slashing? Absolutely not. He’s perfect.”

So there we go. Up next? well that is the question isn’t it? Regardless we’ll next see the Everblades on the ice Friday night. I hope the support continues to grow for the team. #QuestforKelly

Oh and the real stats sheet!

Recap: Everblades vs. Jackals 4/18/12

This post took a little longer to write then Monday’s. Don’t get me wrong there is lots to talk about, but after several long days my brain is sorta mushy so you’ll have to bear with me.

It’s been pointed out to me that by numbering the events I may be implying a hierarchy of joy or importance. This never occurred to me since I write little of importance, but just so everyone knows the order is random. They’re not ranked, its just whatever I think of... I love all moments equally. Whew, glad that’s off my chest. 

1) Piche duels

If this was the american revolution Sebestian Piche would totally be Aaron Burr. Dueling to the death over honor. His opponent Nick Dineen (Alexander Hamilton in this analogy) didn’t stand a chance. After slighting the honor of goaltender Pat Nagle, Piche stepped up and did it big. Video has been included for a demonstration of classical fisticuffs. 

2) Pat Nagle: Beast Mode 

Some people criticized Pat Nagle’s performance Monday. For the most part the critics were silenced Wednesday as Nagle made 24 saves to secure the win and the shutout. Not only was he perfect in net, he also provided the second assist on Bobby Raymond’s insurance marker in the third. The Everblades now lead the series 3-1 and can close it out at home on Friday night. Wild guess, but I’d say the Beast will be in net. 

3) Brayden Irwin’s hail mary pass

The Everblades game-winning goal was officially scored by Scott Pitt. However, none of it would have been possible without the nifty setup by Rutherford and the blind “hail mary” backwards passing by Irwin. It was a beautiful goal. Also, @Swamphockey finally admitted she was wrong about Irwin. I have it in writing.

4) Matt Beca’s boo boo

There’s a lot of debate over the cause of Matt Beca’s bleeding face. What I can tell you is that he was bleeding (and quite a bit). Other than that I’m as clueless as the next person (and I was RIGHT there). However, I hope it’s nothing too serious and that he’s okay. We need you Becs!

5) Poss keeps his cool

I’ve been watching the NHL playoffs and have witnessed some epic coaching moments. With that in mind Greg Poss cool demeanor was admirable in the face of what many fans felt was inconsistent officiating. Poss was showed on the video board multiple times throughout the contest. Specifically at controversial moments. Each time he looked composed and thoughtful. Hat’s off to you Mr. Poss (he also looked very beardly, but that seemed irrelevant).

*Honorable Mention: the video operators

The Germain arena video/ camera operators have a great sense of humor. Whether it was Monday’s kiss cam with three dudes or the nightly WAG spotting, their timing is impeccable. 

Real info can totally be found here!

As always if you have something to say, say it! You can contact me or swamphockey in the comments or on twitter (@cvclyde & @swamphockey). I don’t bite.