Friday Links

I don't know about you, but this off season's getting old already.

- Greatest Hockey Legends has some neat trivia on the Lady Byng Trophy. Obviously, it's my favorite hockey trophy.

- Your Wikipedia hockey page for today- "Gordie Howe Hat Trick"


- This cake combines my three favorite things. Cake, Ninetendo, and hockey.



- I shouldn't have to say anything more than this- Swampee bobblehead!

- I know I've linked to directions to make a tabletop hockey game before, but I can't resist this one. It has real ice!

- I know one person who will love this iPhone skin.

- Poor kitty.


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YouTube Wednesday

I'm a little late on this, but I think these two videos will make up for it. If you don't get a little misty eyed you might need to see a doctor.

Part 1:


Part 2:

Should He Stay Or Should He Go?

I've been wondering this since the playoffs started and when the Blades lost the series to Kalamazoo, I asked this of you guys on Twitter.

Who do we want back next season?

Obviously, not every player can come back. Some will get better deals in Europe, an AHL gig, jump ship for some other ECHL team, or just retire.

To make things a little easier I've decided to exclude the guys with AHL contracts that had been sent down or signed in the middle of the year. This excludes guys like Staal, Graham, McKenzie, Janus, Lemieux, Spencer, etc. I also, decide to eliminate Imbeault, because he's already stated he doesn't want to come back.

So, who do I want back? Easy.

Must haves:

- Bobby Raymond- I have never hidden the fact that he was (and still is) my favorite skater this season. Aside from being reliable. I lived for those moments when he seemed to decide it was time to do something and would take off (seriously, he is insanely fast) end to end dodging the other teams players like they were nothing.

- Brad Snetsinger- I was very impressed by him in the short time he played with the Blades. The guy has put up some pretty numbers over the last few years. I'd love to see him put up some more in a Blades jersey.

- Mathieu Roy- How much has Roy grown as a player over the last few season? I can't believe what an amazing player he's turned into. Add to that his grittiness, gift for irritating the other team, and leadership abilities. What more can you want? I will be the happiest person on Earth if the Blades re-sign him.

- Drew Larman- He may have struggled a bit at the beginning of the season, but he really found his groove at the end. No one was as great at face-offs as him. It doesn't hurt that the dude is fast and gritty either.

- David Fischer- Honestly, if you had asked me if I wanted him back next season in the early months of this season I would have said no. There was just something not quite right about his play. Without me noticing though, this guy became a solid, reliable defenseman.

- Matt Beca- I will throw a fit like a six year-old if he doesn't come back. Really. Those one timers are a thing of beauty and the dude works his butt off every single shift.What more does a team need?

- Ross Carlson- I know in the story I linked to yesterday he said he wasn't sure, but I'd still love to see him back. It won't be an Everblades game without old reliable.

- J.F. David- I liked his style, he was a good veteran to have and a solid guy. It would be nice to see him play a full season, and maybe get some playoff time as well.

Maybes:

Mostly the new guys who joined at the end of the season, Dusty Collins, Tyler Helfrich, Evan Stephens, Deron Cousens, and Brad Good. I don't feel like I saw any of these guy play enough to say I don't want them back or say I saw anything impressive enough to convince me I have to see them come back. You can add Trevor Hendrikx to this list for the same reason.

Undecided:

Which goalie to bring back is a major conundrum for me. I still stand by my opinion that we must lock down a goalie with an ECHL contract. The problem is, who do we bring back? Mike Zacharias was solid, and was always in position. He just had a nasty habit of giving up tons of juicy rebounds rather than freezing the puck. Ryan Zapolski only played in one game. He was amazing in that game, but was that a one time thing? Is he worth the risk if we can get Zacharias? Do we even want Zacharias? I honestly don't know.


No Thank Yous:

- Mike Egener- I know a lot of you guys loved him, but I just can't. He had a nasty habit of taking very stupid penalties and I just can't stand an undisciplined player. Especially when he has the C on his jersey. His injury issues are also more risk than I'm willing to deal with


-Mike Kennedy- This may be unfair as he didn't play for a huge chunk of the season, but I was never amazed by him when he did play. I'd rather we have roster space to be honest.

- Scott Pitt- I know one person who will hate me forever for this, but I just didn't see the guy play with any heart. It always seems tough for the guys right out of college, but he didn't ever seem to try when he did play. I don't mind being proven wrong about him though.

- Eric Olimb- Pretty much what I just said about Pitt. I was just not impressed.

Perhaps a Bit Crazy:

- Mitch Fadden- Since he was released by the Lightning he can sign with whomever he wants. I know he was released for a reason, but I'd love it if he could turn his life around and maybe find a little redemption here. If he can, I think he might be one of those Blades alumni that accomplish something great. But he has to turn his life around. I really can't stress that enough.


As much as I'd love to see any of the AHL guys return (especially Alex Hutchings, I absolutely adore that little pest), I don't want to. I want them to move on to the next step in their careers. I will mention that Bobby Goepfert only signed a one year contract with the Checkers. If they are idiotic enough to not bring him back I'd love to see us pick him up.


So, what do you guys think? I'd love to hear your opinions in the comments. Even if you think I'm way off base.

News and Notes

I have to apologize for the disappearing act. I really didn't know what to say when the Blades were eliminated. Though the elimination didn't come as a surprise (it just didn't feel like they were going anywhere). It still made me sad, and lets be honest, I'm not an on the ball blogger when they're doing well, so losing and having the season end was the perfect excuse to slack (or spend the time normally reserved for blogging reading trashy romance novels, whatever).


see more Lolcats and funny pictures, and check out our Socially Awkward Penguin lolz!

It doesn't matter though, I'm back on the blogging horse now.

I'll let you have a second to dance around with glee and do your best Miss America happy cry...

Done? Good. Time to do a round up of everything you may have missed.

- Since I have nothing to say about the icky end to the season, enjoy this read.

- I know a lot of you adored Alex Imbeault, and I know I never hid the fact that I wasn't on board the Imby train, In fact I think it appeared I was pulling a Snidely Whiplash and tying him to the tracks (oh lord, Imbeault in a Nell wig is the best mental picture ever). Still, it is a little sad that, according to Woody, he's thinking about retirement if he can't find a team in Europe. Good lord, who will I irrationally dislike if this happens?

- WE WILL FINALLY BE JOINING THIS CENTURY! VIDEO BOARD! YESSSSS! Honest to god, I've complained about that stupid dot matrix thing since my second ever Everblades game, and I'm not alone. Good riddance to outdated technology.

- Three former Everblades are in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Way to go boys!

- If anyone went to the Jersey auction last night, I'd love to hear how it went and how much each jersey went for.

- Stadium Journey, a website that reviews different stadium and arena experiences, recently featured Germain. I have to say, I think they were generous in some places, but very spot on in others.

That's it for know. Tomorrow will be a post that might make you hate me. I apologize in advance.

FGCU ROLLER HOCKEY TEAM REMAINS UNDEFEATED AT 1ST NATIONAL TOURNAMENT APPEARANCE

Florida Gulf Coast University Eagles - National Collegiate Roller Hockey Association

Florida Gulf Coast University Eagles - National Collegiate Roller Hockey Association

Re-Cap: Everblades vs. Wings (4/5/11)

The Everblades had to come out big in the first game of the first round of the playoffs. They had to make a statement, not just to the K-Wings, but to the fans that they were ready. That they were ready to finally give 100% for each end every period. Though it was by no means a flawless preformance, I'd Like to think the Blades came pretty close to sending that message.

The first period was pretty equal. Both teams traded chances. The K-Wings were a bit more dominant, but goalie Bobby Goepfert played the same game that has been winning games in spite of the effort of the players in front of him all season. When he wasn't there, there was always a Blade to sweep the puck away from a dangerous situation. It was amazing. The team was actually supporting each other. The Wings did lead in shots, 13-5, but that was almost entirely due to the three penalties called on the Blades. Thankfully, in spite of the shots, the game was still 0-0 when the period ended.

The second saw one of the teams finally take the lead, when about nine minutes in, Ross Carlson scored to give the Blades a 1-0 lead. Around six minutes later Matt Beca score a short-handed, unassisted goal to make it 2-0. It was a pretty good shortie to get considering how terrible a call the penalty was. The K-Wings came on strong, but the Blades all played their parts and the period ended with them still up 2-0.

It was only a matter of time that the Wings would finally be able to take advantage of all the power plays that were handed to them. They made it 2-1 about six minutes into the period on the power play. While the Wings came on strong for the rest of the period the Blades all stood tall and held them off. They got a hard earned win and are now up 1-0 in the best of five series.

Some thoughts:

- I know I'm biased, but good lord, what horrible officiating. If your going to put your whistle away it should be put away for both teams.

- 31 of 32 shots denied. Oh my. To quote someone on Twitter last night " Who needs to outshoot opponents when you have Geppy?"

- Matt Beca and Alex Hutchings together are the stuff of K-Wing nightmares. They created so much chaos it was hilarious.

- There is nothing more depressing than an empty arena. I know it was short notice guys, but it would have been nice to see more people.

YouTube Tuesday

Oh lord. How great is Brad Snetsinger?



I wish I could figure out who his snuggle bunny is.

Know Your Enemy: Kalamazoo Wings

(photo courtesy of Hockey Broad)

Home: Kalamazoo, Michigan
Conference: Eastern
Division: North
First ECHL season: 2009

Arena: Wings Stadium
Arena capacity: 5,113
Arena founded: 1974


(photo courtesy of Hockey Broad)


NHL Affiliate: New York Islanders
AHL Affiliate: Bridgeport Sound Tigers

Division championships: 09-10, 10-11
Kelly Cups: 0

Head Coach: Nick Bootland
 Most Goals: Andrew Fournier- 38
Most Assists: Trent Daavettilla
Most Points: Tie, Trent Daavettilla and Kory Karlander- 80
Most Power Play Goals: Patrick Asselin- 12
Most Short Handed Goals: Sam Ftorek- 2

Best +/-: Trent Daavettilla- +28
Highest PIM: Darryl Llyod: 130

Former Everblades on the K-Wings:

• A.J. Thelen- 08-09, 09-10
• Andrew Fournier- 08-09
• Worth mentioning: Forward Mike Sellitto played for the FGCU Eagles.

Average Height: 6ft
Average Weight: 189lbs
Average Age: 26.25 years

Photos from last visit:

News and Notes

I'm working on a post on the K-Wings for later this afternoon. Until then, here's a round-up of all the latest Everblades bits and pieces.

- Pictures from Friday's game:



- If you are interested, I've also posted all of the pictures I took at the Penguins/Lightning game. You guys think I overdo the Everblades photos? You ain't seen nothing.

- Another day another Everblades post on Puck Daddy. This time Tim Spencer is featured for that insane bout he had on Friday.

- We signed another Mercyhurst player. This time, it's goalie Ryan Zapolski. His stats:



- The ECHL announced the schedule for the conference quarterfinals. The match-ups in the East:

• Greenville vs. Elmira
• Reading vs. Cincinnati
• Kalamazoo vs. Florida
• Wheeling vs. South Carolina

- I'm predicting Greenville, Cincinnati, Florida and Wheeling make it to the next round. How about you guys?

Re-Cap: Everblades vs. Stingrays (4/2/11)

It seems fitting that as up and down as this season has been, the Blades playoff outlook would all depend on their performance in the very last game of the regular season.

The game seemed to pick up right where it left off on Friday. Both teams put on tons of pressure and the play was very back and forth. Matt Beca notched his 22 goal of the season to make it 1-0 around the eight minute mark. That was the lone goal of the first period.

Beca's goal was actually the only goal until the Stingrays were able to beat Mike Zacharias on the power play thanks to an Alex Hutchings slashing penalty. His penalty, 45 seconds into the third period was the first penalty of the game. You read that right. Two periods of penalty free hockey. It was a mini miracle.

That goal made tied it up, and with neither team able to score in the remaining minutes of the period, it went to OT.

The Blades did have a lucky break in the period, a full minute of 4 on 3 play was handed to them. Unfortunately, like much of the lattter half of the season, the Blades just could not convert. That ment it was time for a shoot-out.

The Blades shot first:
- Imbeault- No goal
- Cucci- No goal
- Snetsinger- No goal
- Campbell- No goal
- Beca- No goal
- O'Brien- Goal
- Pitt- No goal
- Ricci- Goal

The Stingrays win means they get the pleasure of taking on Wheeling. We on the other hand will be facing Kalamazoo.

Some thoughts:

- The Blades played a good game. Hopefully they keep it up throughout the playoffs.

- Fun fact: Bobby Raymond played every game of the season. Insane. What a beast.

- Remeber how I said I didn't like Zacharias anymore? 32 saves on 33 shots. I forgive him.

- I can't make any jokes about Imbeault. He led the team in shots and was a +1.

First game of the playoffs is Tuesday. Buy your tickets now. This is the time of the season when the fairweather fans finally decide to show up for a game. Paying Ticketmaster fees is worth it to avoid getting stuck in the standing room only area.

They really should save the best seats for people who remeber Tristan Cameron-Harper and Kevin Deeth.

Re-Cap: Everblades vs. Stingrays (4/1/11)

With home ice advantage on the line, it was obvious the Stingrays were not going to sit back and allow the Blades to control the game as they did Monday. What could not be predicted was just how hard the Stingrays were going to come at the Everblades.

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The Rays made their statement a little over a minute into the game by opening scoring. About nine minutes later they made it 2-0. It was obvious the Blades were being outworked throughout most of the period. Bobby Raymond did manage to make it a 2-1 game though, and it seemed as if the Blades would have one of their usual crappy start, good ending, kind of game.

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Unfortunately, it was not to be. The Stingrays scored three unanswered goals in the second at the 5, 12, and 19  minute marks. The Blades did score a goal, but the light never went on and the Ref never saw it. Everyone in my section, on the other hand, saw the puck completely cross the line. Aside from that complete rip off, the only other event worth mentioning was Tim Spencer getting into another fight. The period ended with the Blades in a 5-1 hole they didn't look like they'd be able to get out of.

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The Blades must have gotten quite the lecture during the second intermission, because they came out the team they had been Wednesday night. Alex Imbeault opened up the scoring with his 36 goal of the season four and a half minutes in to make it 5-2. Right off of the face off Brad Snetsinger netted one of his own to make it 5-3. The Stingrays coach immediately called a time-out to calm down his team (and maybe give Stingrays goalie Shane Owen a second to stop shaking). Though the Blades put on major pressure and had some good chances, the Rays stayed calm. Elgin Reid made it a 5-4 game around the 15 minute mark. Unfortunately, even with Mike Zacharias pulled for the extra attacker and a timely power play the Blades couldn't score. In fact, if not for some amazing heroics, they would have given up a short-handed empty net goal. The final score was 5-4. The game sheet is here. Pictures from the game are here.

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Some thoughts:

- Call me fickle, but I'm over Mike Zacharias. Too many soft goals and juicy rebounds. There were times when I flashed back to Mike Morrison in net last season.

- I will admit that I wondered why Mathieu Roy was given the C. I understand now. Dude is incapable of doing anything halfway.

- *Insert usual praise of Bobby Raymond here*

- *Insert usual "anyone see Imbeault?" comment here*

- The Blades are in an odd position right now. If the win the third game of the series they take on Wheeling. If they lose they take on Kalamazoo. I know what team I want us to get, but I'm not saying anything.
 

Friday Links

The Blades have yet another big game tonight. Until then, here are some links to get you through the wait.

- The pictures from Wednesday's game are up, as are the videos. Scroll down to the recap for them.

- This is an interesting article, a new ECHL team in the Capitals market? Very cool, but yet another team in our already full conference.

- The Blades signed two players yesterday. Their stats:
 
Eric Olimb:

Tyler Helfrich:


- It's a sad day when something from the 90's is considered vintage. It is a neat Panthers jersey though.

- Your Wikipedia hockey page for today- "Penalty shot"

- I was so excited by these instructions for making your own backyard rink. Then I realized we live in Florida. Oh well.

- If I get any more jerseys I'm going to have to document them like this guy did. Although, his collection is much cooler.

- Third string goalie featured just about the coolest thing ever. Jersey flags!

- Friday isn't Friday without a kitty.


see more Lolcats and funny pictures, and check out our Socially Awkward Penguin lolz!