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.

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!


see more Lolcats and funny pictures

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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!