YouTube Tuesday

We're days away from opening night. Not months or weeks, days!



If you missed it, the Blades received five players from Charlotte yesterday. There should also be a few more players from Syracuse and Brayden Irwin is expected to return from St. John. Friday can't come soon enough.

YouTube Tuesday: Everblades Add Two

The Everblades announced what should be their final two signing of the off season as forwards Aaron Bogosian and Mike Merrifield.

An Aaron Bogosian highlight for you guys.



Apparently, the Blades are going super gritty this season. Interesting.

You can also find both guys on Twitter here and here.

YouTube Tuesday

The Everblades announced their 11th signing of the off season this afternoon. The Blades newest defenceman, Jeff Dimmen,  is only the third new player to be signed by the Blades.

Germain won't be anything new to him however. He spent his college career at the University of Maine, a College Classic regular. He won a Calder cup last season with the Norfolk Admirals and was a part of their record breaking winning streak.

He also appears to be a pretty tough dude if you ask me.



By the way, I adore this new contest the Blades are having on the teams Facebook page, but for the love of all that is holy, why aren't they better prepare and slightly punctual? At this point, I'm going to start adding 15 minutes to any time they announce.

Friday Links

To help you end another week of what has been an impossibly long off season, I give you... links!

- The good news? Trevor Bruess and Brayden Irwin are returning to the Blades.

- The bad news? This:

UnnnnBreeeaaak My Heeeaaaartttt

- Your Wikipedia hockey page for today- "Rink Hockey"

- If you feel like dropping $200 on a Blades helmet, here you go.

- Sometimes, you don't need elaborate cake decorating techniques to  make a fantastic hockey cake. This is a perfect example:



- Third String Goalie marks the one year anniversary of the Lokomotive crash.

- Did I really find a company that makes furniture out of hockey sticks? Yes I did.

- Is this the greatest thing you could possibly cover your overpriced smartphone in? Yes it is.

- Kitty time!

Friday Links

We're slowly inching closer and closer to hockey season.

- Of course the Blades announced a player signing right after I give up waiting. Of course.

- The Blades also announced a charity golf tourney. Unfortunately, FEMA has banned me from any sport that includes equipment that can go flying into crowds of spectators after a minor debacle that involved a bat and a crowd just trying to enjoy a nice day of rec league softball. I'm sure you guys will have fun though.

-  You'd have to be living under a rock to have missed the issues the NHL and PHPA are currently dealing with when it comes to a new CBA. Luckily, the ECHL and PHPA don't have to worry about that until next season (yay?). If you are interested, you can check out the highlights of the ECHL CBA (or pay for the full document if that's what floats your boat).

- Which makes this week's Wikipedia hockey page an easy choice- "NHL Collective Bargaining Agreement"

- I love this hockey cake so much! The owner of the photo has turned off my ability to share, but it's certainly worth the click.

- Finding this Matheiu Roy card on eBay almost gave me a heart attack. Then I realized it was the slightly older AHL journeyman that everyone always confuses with our wonderful captain.

- It's always interesting to see how cheap hockey jerseys can be on etsy. This vintage Rangers jersey is no exception

- Kitty time!

YouTube Tuesday

The Everblades keep announcing signings I approve of. This week, they announced Matt Marquardt will be returning.



He was definitely my favorite trade acquisition last year. We received him from the Bakersfield Condors in exchange for Josh Van Dyk.

He ended up with 6 goals and 12 assists in the playoffs. My favorite goal from the playoffs has to be this beauty, an overtime goal in game three of the Kelly Cup Final.



Obviously, that beauty of a goal was later overshadowed by the overtime goal we'll all remember forever, but it's still fantastic (and proof that the Wranglers had an awful ability to make the most heinous turnovers of all time at the worst possible time).

Friday Links

I don't know about you but this offseason is taking forever. Maybe your weekly serving of links can keep you busy for the 70-something days left in the offseason.

- The Blades signed some guy named Bobby Raymond yesterday. No big deal.



That was a total lie, I'm beyond excited about that news. Obviously there's still the possibility he'll sign an AHL deal (like David Rutherford), but if he plays in the ECHL at least we're guaranteed it'll be in a Blades jersey.

- I'm sure you guys won't be surprised by this link to the Third String Goalie blogs usual awesomeness.

- I know I normally share Blades stuff from eBay, but once I saw this Titans jersey I couldn't help myself. THE HORROR!

- Your Wikipedia Hockey Page for today: Goaltender Mask

- I can't share the photo of this hockey cake here on the blog, but I do encourage you to check it out, it's great.

- This is quite possibly the greatest project of all time. Every living room needs a coffee table made out of hockey sticks.

- Kitty time!

YouTube Tuesday

The Everblades announced their latest signing today and I'm pretty happy with it. You really can't beat a 6' 4'', 209 lb defensive defenseman.



His stats:



He might be familiar to you if you've been to the College Classic tournament the Blades hold every year. In seven games in Germain, he notched three assists, not too shabby.

You can follow him on twitter here.

YouTube Tuesday

The Blades are just killing it with these signings so far. Bringing back the captain that led the team to it's first Kelly Cup? Très magnifique.

YouTube Tuesday

Well, it looks like next season's taken care off guys, no need to worry anymore.

Rudy has returned ladies and gentlemen, obviously today's YouTube Tuesday has to be dedicated to him.



One day left in the contest by the way. Right now it looks like the autographed Brandon MacLean picture stays with me. I'm not complaining, but I thought someone would like it...

Everblades Re-sign MacLean

In what I can only assume is the Blades front office continuing to mess with me (because I'm just that delusional), they announced the signing of Brandon MacLean.

You may remember MacLean for that whole "ending 14 year Kelly Cup drought with a heart stopping overtime goal and making us all so happy we didn't have voices the next day" thing.

This is definitely good news. He was always fun to watch and obviously instantly became a fan favorite with that goal. 



Personally, I'm hoping he can find a spot in the AHL (I pretty much want that for all the players), but I guess if he does have to play at the ECHL level it's good for us it will be in a Blades jersey.

Oh! This is the perfect time for a contest, isn't it?

Here we go: Leave your best nickname for Brandon MacLean in the blog's comments. I'll decide which is my favorite (though other fan votes may sway me in one direction or another) and award a MacLean autographed photo taken by yours truly to the best nickname. You'll also get the satisfaction of seeing it used constantly (by me at least) and bragging rights.

Three rules:
1. Please keep it clean. I don't need to be seen as any crazier than I already am. I'll be using this nickname while tweeting and blogging, be nice.
2. If you've won something before, you can't win this. Just giving everyone a chance to win something.
3. At least three people have to enter for the prize to be awarded, so maybe, I don't know... share the joy of Swamp Hockey with those you love?

You have until next Wednesday to think one up. Good luck.

Also, I believe the Everblades will be announcing their 15th anniversary logo today. Personally, I'm terrified, because the logo is so awesome you really can't improve on it.

YouTube Tuesday

I don't know about you guys, but the Everblades have been slightly depressing to think about lately. On top of that, the Reading Royals are coming to town and they're only four points behind in the standings. Spectacular.

Instead of diggin around for Everblades videos I did what I normally do when I'm feeling less than cheerful. Ladies and gentlemen... adorable kittens and puppies!











Some quick notes:
- The Blades traded Falite to Utah for Shane Owen. Considering how well he played against us after we released him last season, I'm not surprised we made a move to get him back.

This is only because I can't find a picture of him in a Blades jersey.

Billy Sauer (and his cheekbones) were traded to the Stingrays to make room for Owen.

- There are two more Blades on Twitter to follow. Shane Owen, who has been on Twitter longer than most players that I know of, and Lightning prospect Kevin Quick.

- Last but not least, please observe an imbecile in action and the appropriate response you should have to massive levels of stupidity.

*Snap* you go Woody, tell that goober what's what.

YouTube Tuesday

Unfortunately, the Blades didn't have a very good road trip. Dropping all three of their games to rivals we cant afford to lose to. There was some good news on the roster front though. Amongst the flurry of moves yesterday was a trade with Elmira. In exchange for Jimmy Martin and future considerations the Everblades get Defenceman Mike Ratchuk.

Seems like we got a pretty good deal:



I'm just going to add that to my list of videos to watch when I'm feeling grumpy about the Blades. This next video might go on it as well, I'm a little on the fence about it.



By the way, he's on Twitter (if you happen to be into that sort of thing).

Also, please remember to vote for the ECHL Silver Skater Fantasy Team. Only 3,300 have voted. We get that many people in Germain on a quiet Friday night at the beginning of the season.

News and Notes

It's a little funny that signing immediately bring me out of a terrible writing funk. I'm not going to complain though, it's always fun to see a new player in action, especially when it can mean good things for the Blades.

- We may have lost Justin Shugg, but we signed a forward with a Kelly Cup Championship ring in his place. Kory Falite won last season with the Alaska Aces, and was playing in Norway. Now he's all ours. His stats:



- The Lightning have sent us defenseman Charles Landry. His stats:



- Some bad news: Alex Hutchings was moved to the 21 day IR list. Not good at all.

- I didn't take that many pictures at the Teddy Bear toss because all the seats in my favorite section were bought before I could get to the arena (and then NO ONE SAT IN THEM, grrrr). This is my favorite though. Pat Nagle chilling with his new bestie.



- I'm super proud that I've had one of my photos appear in an actual magazine! It was included with a story on how amazing the Jr. Blades have been playing this season (if you still haven't been to a game, you suck). Skip to page 15 for the story (and my photo).

- The Blades start a three game in three days road series tonight in Gwinnett. They're eighth in the conference and last in the division. Losing is not an option at this point.

- Must mean it's time for a doggie picture then, eh?


see more dog and puppy pictures

News and Notes

Quite a few bits and pieces of news going on in Everblades land.

- First up, Mike McKenzie. Looks like he was able to secure a deal with our old friends, the Houston Aeros. The Checkers were kind enough to release him from his deal. Considering the Checkers are drowning in forwards, it's a nice move to let McKenzie get the AHL time he deserves.

- John Muse was called up to back-up former Everblades Justin Peters in Charlotte. Peters' goaltending partner, Mike Murphy, was called up to the Hurricanes (and actually got his first NHL minutes in relief of Cam ward last night). I'm assuming either Brian Markowicz or Scott Darling will be making an appearance on the bench as back-up for Pat Nagle.

- The Blades made some moves recently to patch up our gutted roster. Last week we traded away Robby Dee for defenceman Jimmy Martin, his stats:



They also signed Augusta Riverhawks forward Lucas LaBelle. You may remember him from the try-outs at the beginning of the season. His stats:



An unofficial signing I've heard about that the Blades haven't announced yet is forward Todd Pocoke. He's an intern with Athletic Republic that works with the team and the Jr. Blades. His stats (I'm hoping these are his stats): Turns out I was wrong. No signing to see here, move along.




- One to file under the maybe Byng is crazy and reading way too much into Tweets from players:

This was directed at a forward named Kerry Bowman. His stats just because:



- OK, done with the roster stuff. $2 beer, wine and hot dogs tonight. Consider this your warning, if you don't show up early I can't guarantee I won't have sucked down all the wine by the time you get there.

- More importantly, Friday Toys for Tots will be collecting unwrapped toys. You get a buy one get one ticket voucher and a kid in need gets an awesome toy. Nobody loses.

- Last but not least, since the puppies have been working:


see more dog and puppy pictures

Friday Links

It's Friday, and that means one thing. Time fore a heaping spoonful of links. Hopefully, this will keep you guys entertained until game time.

- No word yet on any suspension for Joey Hadad. I really would like to believe a league that claims to be developmental would do something to protect the future of a player sent down for development. I really, really, do. Just as I write that the league hands down a two game suspension and fine for Hadad. They also give Chris Clackson a one game suspension and fine for jumping David Rutherford. While I'm mentioning it, another video of Clackson being a scumbag.





- The Blades announced a trade with the Bakersfield Condors yesterday. In exchange for forward Robby Dee they receive defenceman Jimmy Martin. His stats:



- This game makes me wish my older cousin hadn't disassembled my old NES. I also wish he hadn't disassembled my old SNES while we're at it. At least my N64 is still intact.

- I enjoyed posting that tweet last week so much I think I'll do it every week. We'll call it the tweet of the week. I'm only going to include current Blades players because, let's be honest, Bobby Goepfert would probably win every single week. If you want to vote, tweet or email me who you think deserves the honor. If you don't vote, it's purely my decision. I'm giving the honor to Ryan Donald this week. Mostly because I'm a total homer for the Penguins and because Donald has a spectacular beard.

- I should probably mention my list of current and former Everblades players on Twitter again, huh? Here you go.

- Great find on eBay. The first style of jersey the Blades wore. They used this style from the teams inception in 98, until 2004 when they removed the grey bands on the bottom and added a stripe behind the logo.

- Today's Wikipedia hockey page is every hockey fans favorite strategy- "The Neutral Zone Trap"

- What would Friday be without a puppy? I miss having a boxer around. Best breed ever.

see more dog and puppy pictures

News and Notes

The Blades may not have swept the Nailers, but winning two of three games against one of the best teams in the ECHL is nothing to laugh at. I'm not going to do a re-cap of Saturday's game since I heard only around 15 minutes of it thanks to radio issues and I refuse to write my re-caps off of game notes.

-I do have the pictures from Friday's game:



-This is my favorite from the set. Leigh Salters' goal!



-I have a video or two to get up on to YouTube and I'll post those videos along with some others I've found in a big round-up tomorrow.

- It appears that the Nailers player that boarded Kyle Lawson will not be suspended or fined. Super.

- Right before Saturday's game the Blades announced they received Scott Fletcher in a trade from Toledo. I suggest checking him out on YouTube. Dude can throw some bombs.

The Players have a week off until Fridays game. Hopefully, we can get some players healthy.

News Round-Up

- First up, the Everblades have now released every single player they had under try-out. Considering how the play in last Friday's game looked, that might not have been a terrible idea. The Blades also traded away Evan Stephens to Chicago (I'm sure that won't bite us in the butt later or anything) and released Greger Hanson.

- The Blades then went and traded with Elmira (I still get an immediate reaction of "icky" to that name) and received Dominic D'Amour in return for future considerations. I'm happy with this move by the way. Any move to bring back any member of the 08-09 roster is automatically approved.

- Yeah... Scott Pitt and DJ Rutherford are on the IR list already.

- Here's your updated roster!



- The Jr. Blades continue to dominate their league. Their next two games are in town on the 29th and 30th (the Skatium for the former and Germain for the latter date). You really should check them out. I've enjoyed every game I've been to.
- This gave me an intense case of the happys: An ECHL team in Orlando! Road trips! Instant Rivalry! Road trips with built in trips to Disney/Universal/Sea World and maybe a stop in Tampa for good measure! Awesome. I hope this goes down. I can't wait to invade their arena and be the most obnoxious visiting fan on Earth.

Blades Receive Players

Things are starting to shape up in Everblades land. Last night the Charlotte Checkers assigned four players along with Evan Stephens and Scott Pitt. Both Stephens and Pitt had been invited to take part in the Checkers training camp. Some familiar names are amongst the players sent down. Both Kyle Lawson and Matt Beca will be back this season. Defenseman John Murray and goalie John Muse are the newcomers. You may remeber that Muse being sent down to the Everblades was a pretty sure thing  when the Checkers signed him. Chris Murray has spent much of his career bouncing between the ECHL and AHL.

John Muse's stats:

Chris Murray's stats:


The Blades also had three players from Norfolk assigned today. Familiar face Alex Hutchings will get another chance to get under the skin of the entire Eastern Confrence. Joining him will be rookie forward Philip-Michael Devos and rookie goaltender Pat Nagle.

Stats for Philip-Michael Devos:


Stats for Pat Nagle:


The updated roster:



Not counting the training camp invitees the roster stands at 21 skaters and 2 goalies. From the sounds of things, the Checkers may need to make one more cut to get their roster to a manageable size. If that happens, it means that the Everblades will probably have to make cuts as well.

A Look Inside: Training Camp Roster

The first step to examining who is who at training camp is to learn the guys already on the team. As of right now, these are your 11-12 Everblades:



Learn them, love them, pick a favorite or a least favorite (amazingly I haven't yet).

Worth noting- a couple of guys on this list are currently trying out with an AHL club, and obviously won't be in camp.

Now, time to examine the guys trying out. Remeber, practice is supposed to happen at 2:45 on the Green rink at Germain.

Forwards
Ernie Hartlieb
Do I even have to post his stats?

Lucas LaBelle

Oleg Kuzmin-
You may remember him trying out last season. He played last season with the Jr. Blades and absolutely tore up their league.

Colin Reddin-


Jesse Gimblett-
One of a pair of twins trying out (scroll down for his brother).


Defensemen
Tyson Gimblett-

Kent Trentowski

Goalies
Brian Markowicz
-Our emergency back-up goaltender for large chunks of last year. He never played in a game, though he came close to beiung put in at least once.

Scott Darling