ESTERO, Fla. – The Florida Everblades organization (ECHL) proudly announced that they have entered into a one-year affiliation agreement with the Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL). The announcement was made on Friday by Everblades president and general manager Craig Brush. “We are extremely pleased to be affiliated with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Steve Yzerman has very quickly assembled a top-notch organization. The Lightning will be an exciting team to watch and we look forward to helping with the development of some of their talented young players,” Brush said. The “Bolts” will be able to assign players who are under both NHL (National Hockey League) and AHL (American Hockey League) contracts to the Blades for skill development. With this agreement, the Blades will also be in association with the Bolts AHL team, the Norfolk Admirals. This is the 19th season for the Lightning in the NHL. They won the coveted Stanley Cup back in the 2003-2004 season. Steve Yzerman, long time captain of the very successful Detroit Red Wings (NHL), was named their vice president and general manager in May of this year. The Florida Everblades play in Estero, Florida and have been in existence since the 1998-1999 season. “The Everblades and their management have demonstrated a strong commitment to success, by guiding their team to the playoffs in each of their twelve seasons in existence,” said Yzerman. “This is exactly the type of winning environment we feel our players should develop in. Couple that, with their proximity to Tampa and there really isn’t a better option for us,” continued Yzerman. The Blades will continue their previous long time affiliation with the Carolina Hurricanes (NHL) and their AHL affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers. BLADE NOTES: The Florida Everblades have signed forward Shea Guthrie to a 2010-2011 contract, according to head coach, Greg Poss. Guthrie played for the Blades last season and posted 11 goals, 13 assists (24 points) in 33 games. Guthrie is a 23 year-old native of Ontario who played four years with Clarkson University prior to turning pro. He is a third round draft pick of the New York Islanders (NHL). “I am very happy that it worked out for Shea to return. He’s got explosive power and he’ll fit in nicely with the up-tempo game we want to bring to the club,” said Poss. Poss will begin his first season as head coach of the Blades. 2010-2011 SEASON begins at Germain Arena on Friday October 15, when the Blades play division rivals the Gwinnett Gladiators. Contact the writer at: sharon.weatherhead@prohockeynews.com
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