Everblades earn 800th franchise win

ESTERO, FL — Callum Booth stopped 26 of 27 shots in his professional debut to lead the Florida Everblades (2-0-0-0) to a 3-1 victory over the Atlanta Gladiators Saturday night at Germain Arena. The win was the 800th in Everblades club history (regular season). The Everblades hold an overall record of 800-430-135.

The Gladiators scored first just 24 seconds into the game, after an odd bounce high off the glass sent the puck bouncing behind Booth and to the opposite side of the crease. Atlanta forward Colin Jacobs was waiting on the puck and jammed it into the back of the net for the early 1-0 edge.

The Everblades were quick to answer with a goal of their own just 32 seconds later. Michael Kirkpatrick was stationed just outside the crease of goalie Dan Vladar when he received a pass from Stephen MacAulay. Kirkpatrick, with ease, was able to deflect the puck into the net, and just like that the game was tied once again.

Florida’s power play connected for the second straight game. Clark Seymour hammered a shot from the point that made its way to Vladar who made the save. However, the rebound instantly angled to the stick of Mitchell Heard, who swept the puck into the net for the go-ahead marker. The Everblades held their 2-1 lead at the end of the first period.

The Gladiators gifted Florida a 5-on-3 power play early in the second period and the Everblades were sure to capitalize. Steven Lorentz potted his first professional goal off a deflection from a from Seymour slapshot from the point. With the goal, the Blades took a 3-1 lead with them into the second intermission.

To a similar beat as on Friday night, the Everblades controlled much of the third period play, frustrating the Gladiators as they tried to establish an offensive zone presence. The Everblades used a sturdy, hard hitting, defensively minded style of play to lock down the game. When Atlanta was able to break toward the net, Booth was there to turn all opportunities aside to help secure the 3-1 victory.

Florida will now travel to Duluth, Georgia to take on the Gladiators for a pair of games next Friday (Oct. 20) and Saturday (Oct. 21).