Blades win 4-1 brawl
The Florida Everblades got a measure of revenge Friday night against the Gwinnett Gladiators, defeating their divisional rival 4-1 at Germain Arena.
The real story wasn’t the impressive way the Blades rebounded from their third-period collapse that cost them a victory Wednesday night, or Preston Callander’s hat trick that powered the victory.
The real story was the penalties doled out to both teams — 244 minutes in all, and 10 game misconducts resulting in all 10 players being ejected. Among those sent off the ice early were starting goaltender David Shantz (second period) and team captain Earnie Hartlieb after the third all-ice brawl in the final period.
“It was old style hockey,” said Hartlieb. “I’m sure the fans enjoyed it, and it was something we needed as a team after losing five in a row.”
The first ejection came on David Cornacchia with less than five minutes remaining in the first period on a spearing call. Despite Cornacchia’s actions, both teams maintained their composure and the Blades carried a commanding 3-1 lead into the first intermission.
The second period went downhill quickly after Callander’s hat trick with just under eight minutes left in the period.
Two Gladiators went after Callander and within seconds all 10 players and both goaltenders where brawling resulting in three ejections.
The 244 minutes are a season and franchise record for a single game.
“All that matters is that we got the win,” said Blades coach Gerry Fleming.
The teams lock skates again Saturday night at Germain Arena.