ESTERO, FL — Former Everblade Andy Iles stopped 34 of 36 shots to lead the Elmira Jackals to a 4-2 victory over the Florida Everblades Saturday night in front an announced crowd of 7,283 at Germain Arena.
After a scoreless first, the Jackals got on the board when Casey Thrush picked up a rebound at the top of the crease and hurled a backhand shot past Florida goaltender Matt Skoff.
Brendan O’Donnell gave the crowd of over 7,200 what they came for and scored the goal that ignited the IBERIABANK Teddy Bear Toss. After a Michael Kirkpatrick faceoff win, Florida nudged the puck to Brendan O’Donnell who delivered a slapshot that ripped past Elmira goaltender Iles to even the game at one.
O’Donnell’s team best eleventh goal of the season ignited a wild celebration of over 7.000 teddy bears and stuffed animals raining down on the ice. All of the plush toys will be donated to local children’s across Southwest Florida for the holiday season.
After the cleanup, Elmira reclaimed the lead in the final minute of the middle frame when Mike Radja delivered a perfect pass at the top of the crease to Vaclav Karabaeck who slopped a wrist shot underneath the pad of Skoff to give the Jackals a 2-1 lead heading into the third.
Elmira’s hard word continued in the third as they tacked on two more goals from Greg Betzold and Mark Bennett to assume a 4-1 lead.
Florida added another marker on Akim Aliu’s first goal of the season in the closing seconds of regulation to put the score at it’s final count at 4-2.
Andy Iles was stellar for the second consecutive night, making 34 saves, while Skoff takes the loss allowing three goals on 32 shots faced.
The Everblades will now play host to the Atlanta Gladiators next Friday, Dec. 16 and Saturday, Dec. 17 at Germain Arena.
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