YouTube Tuesday

You better believe it still feels good.



Don't forget, 5-11 tonight at Germain! It's time to celebrate and say goodbye. Also, there's going to be a bounce house. I freaking love bounce houses.

Thank You (pt. 2)

Here's the second half of the roster and why they rock. Once again, we're going in alphabetical order.




Pat Nagle-  It's pretty unfair that you're not receiving credit for keeping us in the playoffs. You had two shutouts in the playoffs! Two! Any other goalie might not be able to handle the position you were put into, but you handled it with grace. You're also extremely photogenic, and I appreciate that.



Sebatien Piche- I don't think Lightning fans realize how lucky they are to have acquired you in a trade, but they will. If Bruess is a Scud missile you're undoubtedly an anti-tank missile. I almost felt bad for the guys you laid big hits on. Almost.



Scott Pitt-You were one of the best rookies in the league this season. Frankly, you're just fun to watch. I honestly don't expect to see you here next season, there are plenty of AHL teams that need a player like you.



Kevin Quick- You really showed up in the playoffs didn't you. It was almost like watching a totally different player. Also, I heard you're an animal person and that's an automatic plus with me.



Mike Ratchuk- It's safe to say you were the best trade acquisition this season. I'm completely convinced that you have rockets instead of feet. It was always exciting to see you flip on the afterburners and leave the opposing players dazed in your wake. Please don't leave the Blades for the Komets.



Bobby Raymond- I don't think I've hidden the fact that you've been my favorite skater for the last two seasons. To quote one of the fan club ladies "It's just fun to watch him skate". You're another guy I don't expect to see back next season. You definitely deserve an AHL contract.



Mathieu Roy- There's a reason you were the first Blades captain to win us a Kelly Cup. Don't ever change and don't ever leave.



David Rutherford- There's a reason you've won so many championships, and it's because you never quit and you won't let anyone else quit. You look really good in green and navy dude. Just saying.



Leigh Salters- I always felt kind of bad for any guy dumb enough to fight you or any goalie on the losing end of your screens. You were definitely a fan favorite for a reason.



Justin Shugg- You were only down here because you were on the losing end of the numbers game, and I'm grateful for that. You certainly deserve the nickname Shuggernaut. I can't wait to hear about you tearing up the AHL next season.



Joe Sova- I feel bad that I didn't get to see you play that much. I liked what little I saw though, so there's that. I really doubt we'll see you in a Blades jersey next season.

That's it till the usual Tuesday post and of course the party the team is throwing from 5-11! If they run out of championship gear by the time you get there it's all my fault (or yours for getting there so late).

Thank You (pt. 1)

 As I promised Yesterday, here's the first half of the roster and why they rock. For simplicity, we're going in alphabetical order.




Matt Beca- 72 assists this season, including the assist that led to the cup clinching goal. Team leader in points during the regular season. Holy shit dude. That's impressive.



Trevor Bruess- You're a heat seeking SCUD missile on skates. I've now developed that habit of going "Oooooh, you've been Bruessed!" anytime I see a big hit in hockey. Please keep the mohawk.



Ryan Donald- I always breathed a sigh of relief when you hit the ice. Nothing shady ever went down on your watch and for that, I'm grateful. I don't think any beard will ever compare to yours. 



David Fischer- Sweet mother Mary you can move the puck, can't you? I'm still not sure why you haven't been given more of a chance at the AHL level. What a bunch of idiots they are. Stay strong dude.



Rylan Galiardi- I have to start out by apologizing for spelling your name wrong for half the season. I've never experienced such a long brain fart. My bad. You're the type of guy I love seeing on a hockey team I cheer for. Nothing flashy, just good hockey.



Brayden Irwin- I'm completely mystified by your ability to be in just the right spot at just the right moment. It's freaky. Also, holy shit was my initial dislike off base. Like so far off base I was in another solar system. For that I'm sorry, I'm a total jerk.



Charles Landry- You play with so much determination. I hope you never lose that drive. It's something special. I'll always fondly remember how many photos of you making weird faces during games I had to delete.



Brandon MacLean- You're not capable of giving anything less than 200% are you? You definitely earned that game winner. You never slacked off or quit. If you don't come back and play a full season as a Blades it better be because you got an AHL deal.



Matt Marquardt- The best way to describe you is quietly productive. Also, you're a pretty big dude and man could you lay hits when you decided to. I'm still not sure how I managed to spell your name correctly all the time and not Rylan Galiardi's.




Ryan McGinnis- I can't tell you how good it was to see you return to the Blades. You're entirely underestimated in your ability to move the puck. Ryan Weston will never leave my shit list thanks to that terrible hit. Get well soon.



Cedric McNicoll- After how well you played last season, I was shocked you were sent down. The Checkers stupidity was our gain obviously Mr. Playoff Points Leader. I find it very hard to believe you'll be enjoy the sand and sun next season.



John Muse- You're proof that the drafting system doesn't work. Blades fans have waited 14 years for a goalie like you and I think I speak for everyone when I say we feel lucky to have seen you play. If you don't receive a two way NHL contract for next season something is wrong with the universe.

Check back tomorrow for the rest of the list!

What is There Left to Say?

I've struggled with what exactly I want to say about everything that's happened. Patially, it's because this writing thing has never been my gift. I'm certainly more comfortable behind a camera or spreading the Blades gospel on social media. Partially it's also because, as harsh as it is to say, I certainly didn't imagine this would be the season that the Everblades would win the Kelly Cup.

I know! Bad blogger, bad, bad blogger.

Now, I hoped and believed, because I can't help but be overly optimistic about the things I love. I felt something similar to what I felt about the Penguins in 2009 while they were going through all their various trials and tribulations. That  feeling that there was maybe something special about to happen. Something was hovering just on the horizon.

But, in the logical part of my brain I was always prepared for another letdown. Another goal just over the goalies shoulder in OT (I'm still pissed about your positioning on that Leggio), another loss of heart and will at the worst possible moment.

It never happened though, and I think that's why I'm still a bit stunned.

We had a group of players that were always overlooked (I'm still not entirely sure how you do that with so many awards the players had under their collective belts, but it happened).

Sure, we loved them and believed in them, because that's what we do as fans, but no one else seemed to.

Maybe that's what makes this victory so sweet. No one else truly believed as much as we all did in our hearts.

Think about it.

The Greenville fans were so sure that their squad, one of the best in the regular season was going to steamroll over our boys. That didn't happen.

Elmira fans were sure to tell us about knocking us out in the playoffs before and that history was sure to repeat itself. That didn't happen.

After one win Kalamazoo fans were already planning trips to Vegas or Alaska because their squad was obviously going to triumph. That didn't happen.

Then Vegas came along. Talking trash about swamp people and their town and their team. Their fabulous forward that lead the league all season. Their amazing unstoppable goalie, the ECHL. They won their first game and they started planning parades. That didn't happen.

Instead, something else happened.



A squad no one really noticed. A squad that was perpetually underestimated.

They won the Kelly Cup.

When you really look, it makes sense. I can't recall ever seeing a team that seemed to be so committed to each other and their mission. I can't recall ever seeing a team with so much heart.

I guess I really shouldn't have been surprised. We saw the spark so many times during the season. No matter how many injuries and roster shuffling, the players always managed to keep their hearts in it.



I don't think anyone deserved it more than them. No one.

It feels good. It feels really good. I don't know if there are really any words to really summarize everything. There may never be just the right words. I'm happy. Happy for the players, and all the people who work for the team, happy for the fans that have been going to games for years, and happy for the new fans who have discovered something pretty great.

I'm just plain happy.

Be sure to check back tomorrow and Sunday. I'm going to split the roster in half and go in depth into why, exactly, the dude rocks.

Kelly Cup Champions!

14 years of waiting and it feels good guys. It feels real good.
More in the, uh... whenever I manage to drag myself out of bed.
Let's Go Blades!









Update: Everything is up. You can find videos on the blogs YouTube channel of the post game celebrations, John Muse winning the MVP award and the players lifting the Kelly Cup.

The photos from the game are up on Flickr



If you missed Tuesday's set, you can click here to see those.


I'm now going to try to write up a post to summarize everything. No idea how that's going to work.

Re-Cap: Everblades vs Wranglers (5/22/12)

What is there to say about last night's Everblades game? The guys were awesome most of the time and any time they weren't John Muse was giving us reason to scream "MOOOOOOOSEEEEEE" as loud as we could.

A very rare specimen of Northeastern Arena Moose (massholias bamfus)

The guys have a chance to end our 14 years of waiting tonight. There probably won't be a single seat available by the time the game starts. All the local news stations are making the Blades a top story rather than a five second blurb once a week.

Basically, down is up and right is left, and it feels so good.

The pictures from last night (including awesome shots of the player intros)



My video of Ryan Donald getting jumped after a completely clean hit:



Because it's worked so far:



Tonight's might just be the night:


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

YouTube Tuesday

Time to relive a little magic from Friday's Everblades game:



Also, because it works:



The photos from Friday's game are up on Flickr by the way. Check 'em out.



Rally towels tonight though, that will be fun.

Re-Cap: Everblades vs. Wranglers (5/18/12)

Sometimes, you don't need words. Sometimes all you need is a video and an lolcat.




see more

Friday Links

I don't even know what to say. Tonight's game is a big deal. Every single big game before this one during the playoffs pale in comparison tonight. People are throwing around lots of stats and predictions about game three winners and home ice wins and tons of stuff that makes my head spin.

Whatever, it's a pretty big deal.

My poor heart is barely holding on and I'm sure it's the same for all of you. No sense in trying to distract ourselves with links not related to the Blades. Here' are links to put you in the right frame of mind for tonight. We have to be loud and proud.

- This worked last time I posted it. Won't hurt to post it again.



- It looks like you won't have very much luck getting a good seat if you haven't already purchased your ticket. I count maybe 10 seats below row 11 left in the whole arena. There appear to be large groups of seats in the high rows behind the net though. You probably should call or hit Ticketmaster if you don't have your seats yet. No one enjoys the standing room only seats, no one.

- Also, you might want to swing by the box office and pick up your tickets early (They'll be open all day). I'm hearing the line for will call is expected to be a nightmare and I'm assuming the parking lot and the traffic into the arena are not going to be fun either.

- The team is calling for a white out tonight, the first 2,500 through the door get a free t-shirt. I'm still not sure how I feel about it. Mostly because I adore my game worn navy jersey and it's done well it's first season in my possession. Life's little conundrums eh?

- The ticket increases have sucked big time, but this article from the News-Press put's the costs all into perspective.

- Your Wikipedia hockey page for today is, what else- "Florida Everblades"

- Here's a story on the fans who traveled to Vegas to support the guys. If you were one of those people please understand that you're my hero and that you rock.

- Leigh Salters was fined for being awesome (or messing with Joe Fallon, whatever) and the Wranglers coach was fined for being whinier than the chicks I went to high school with.

- After pretty much ignoring them all season, the local news media is finally giving a shit about the Blades. Here's a segment from WINK that stars the Kelly Cup.

- This is a weird find. Someone's put a Blades helmet on eBay. I'm not entirely sure what season or seasons it's from so I couldn't tell you who wore it.

- No Tweet of the week this week. Every tweet has been a tweet of the week.

- Kitty time!


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

Don't forget your signs, cowbells and gators! This is what we've been preparing for since 2005. This is not a drill people!

YouTube Tuesday

Let's not even kid ourselves. Losing sucks.


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

Unfortunately, the Everblades couldn't win every single game. It just wouldn't be fair and honestly, it would make their victories a little less exciting. Of course,  that's not going to stop me from feeling a little grumpy (staying up so late hasn't helped either, I'm sure).

It doesn't matter though. This is a best of seven series and the Blades have plenty of time. It only takes the bounces shifting our way for the tide to turn. Ratchuck started it last night. Now the other guys have to finish it.

It's time to forget last night and get ourselves into the right frame of mind. Luckily, This song is totally appropriate.



Of course, in my world anything by The Clash is an appropriate choice.

On an unrelated note, comments are back to requiring our approval because Wranglers fans have had all their brain cells fried by the heat and I'm not wasting Bloggers server space with their idiocy.

Friday Links

I might be finishing up my vacation, but that doesn't mean I've forgotten about you guys. It's almost time for the Blades to fight their final battle and I don't know about you, but I'm about as nervous as a person can be. Maybe this round of fresh links will help calm your nerves.

- Look at this amazing cake! Love the old school pads and mask.



- Honestly, I'm not a fan at all this version of the Blades jersey. Of course I'm not a fan of the white road (though, with the ECHLs switch mid way through the season it's not really a road jersey) jerseys at all. That shouldn't stop you from trying to win this decently priced jersey though.

- Your Wikipedia hockey page for today- Official

- I don't think there was any doubt in my mind what tweet would win Tweet of the Week. Ladies and gentlemen, I have no words to describe the amazingness of this picture.

- You guys know I love the Third String Goalie blog almost as much as I love shot blocking responsible defensemen. They celebrated their third anniversary Wednesday with one of the best peeks back into history that I've read on their blog.

- Cutest piggy bank ever.

- Anyone who has ever owned a cat know that when a cat does this it's a trap.


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

YouTube Tuesday

It still feels good guys. I'm still stunned by it all.

This video? Yeah, sad Nick Bootland + Brass Bonanza blasting = heaven.



I also had to add this video (though, uh, I saw Elgin Reid, Ross Carlson, Barry Brust, and Ryan Lang so I imagine the clips are not all recent, still, it's awesome).



Monday can't come soon enough. Though I can't say I'm excited about games starting in pacific time.

Eastern Conference Champions!

I don't think I can put this into words that can explain just how amazing this really is. It's been 7 years of almosts and heartbreaks. 7 years of never being quite good enough. Of never finding that special something.

There were times when maybe we wondered if the Blades would miss the playoffs totally. The players didn't give up though. Look at them now.

They did it. After a hundred or so games, the Everblades are returning to the Kelly Cup Final and it feels good. We have a week to celebrate. A week to be proud of everything the players have accomplished this season.

Then we all get back to business.

The Wranglers are waiting in Sin City and we can't disappoint.

Friday Links

Fun fact: I almost forgot to post this! Because of that, this round of links is going to be short and sweet.

- Here are the pictures from Thursday:



- Remember that vintage Rangers poster I linked to last week? Well, I found another and I'm pretty sure it's even better than the last one.

- I'm breaking the Tweet of the Week rules because this just happened and it was great and hockey gods willing, the truth.

- It's no secret that specialty jerseys are hard to get your hands on and honestly, I can't remember the last time I saw one pop up on eBay. If you're a specialty jersey fan or I don't know, a Peter Reynolds fan (he's a bit before my time), it might be worth snapping this up.

- Your Wikipedia hockey page for today- "ECHL awards"

- Kitty time!


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

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”?

YouTube Tuesday

Tomorrow's game is kind of a big deal. Personally, I'm doing everything I can to distract myself so I don't turn into a giant ball of nerves.

Thankfully, YouTube is very helpful when it comes to supplying distraction. take this video for instance:



Just when you think that noting is more awesome than a goalie scoring, boom, shorthanded goalie goal!

By the way, a goalie goal is the only thing I've never seen in person. I've seen tons of hat-tricks, line brawls and goalie fights, but I've never, ever seen a goal from a goalie. Oh well, I guess I'm going to have to keep going to hockey games until I do. Poor me.