ESTERO, FL – The Florida Everblades hosted division rivals, the Gwinnett Gladiators, for a pair of preseason games this weekend. The heat index outside was over 100 degrees; the air temperature inside was about 50-60 degrees. Only in Florida – go figure!
It may have been a preseason series, but as far as the Blades were concerned it was all business. The rink boards were naked; devoid of the usually myriad of advertisements. The Gladiators were in nondescript white practice jerseys; their logos on the front, but the player’s names were absent from the back. Relaxed was how it felt – until -the professionals came out onto the ice – the Blades in their “dress blues”.
Florida has been very lucky to have teams good enough to make the postseason every year since their inception – eleven years worth. If this year’s preseason effort is any indication of this seasons team, they should, once again, be contenders for the Kelly Cup. Actually, The Hockey News (issue dated 10/12/09), picks the Blades to finally claim the elusive Cup. Is that the hockey seal of approval or the kiss of death?
It was hard to find fault with the Blades team that played this weekend. There were sharp passes, physical play, and fluid skating. They worked as a team to break up Gwinnet’s plays and get them off their game plan.
This team was alert and focused on one thing – getting the puck into the oppositions net. They were opportunistic – taking advantage of Gwinnet’s mistakes, creating extra scoring opportunities. They dived in front of Gwinnet’s pucks, sacrificing bodies for the defensive play.
Although it is difficult to pick the best of the best, a few players stood apart from the rest.
Ernie Hartlieb
Jacob MacFlickier – a returning Blade and a great setup man. Three points on Friday night (1 goal, 2 assists.)
Rob Hennigar – second year in ECHL. Impressive play on Friday (1 goal, 3 assists.)
Kevin Baker – won the ECHL scoring championship with the Blades last season with 102 points. He looks ready to post another banner season with 6 points this weekend (2 goals, 4 assists.)
Scott Hotham – rookie season in ECHL, posted two goals in the Gwinnett series.
The only weakness I see in the team, at this time, is the goaltending. Mark Morrison is the main goaltender for the Blades. They currently have Nate Zervos on loan from Florida Gulf Coast University as an emergency backup.
Morrison is a veteran player who has spent time at all levels: ECHL, AHL and NHL. He has posted 21 games with the Edmonton Oilers, 4 games with the Ottawa Senators and 4 games with the Phoenix Coyotes.
Mike Morrison
Morrison allowed nine goals this weekend. Most of them were soft and he looked somewhat shaky in his crease. He seemed uncomfortable managing the puck behind his net and offered Gwinnett a number of turnover opportunities. With his background, he has the experience and knowledge. Hopefully, with some practice, he will improve to the level of the rest of the team. It will be interesting to see who his partner will be during the upcoming season.
Bottom line: This team looks seriously focused on the end of season prize. Hopefully their reign of being a “bridesmaid” will come to an end.
NOTES: Coach Malcolm Cameron says there is a possibility that a player or two could join the club from the Minnesota Wild. Cameron has cuts to make and will be deciding on his roster during the coming week. Some of the players were jockeying for a team spot this weekend.
Contact the author at: sharon.weatherhead@prohockeynews .com
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