Everblades sign rookie forward, release Duffy
Forward Mike Reich was signed to a contract Tuesday by the Florida Everblades, who also announced the release of defenseman Matt Duffy.
Reich, 20, joins the Everblades after playing in 26 games with the Saskatoon Blades of the junior Western Hockey League where he picked up six points (4g, 2a) this season.
Last season, the 5-foot-11, 192-pounder split time between three WHL teams, collecting seven points (5g, 2a) in 61 combined games with Saskatoon, Vancouver and Regina. Overall, Reich has played five seasons at the junior level in the WHL recording 53 points (33g, 20a) in 248 career games.
The Everblades released Duffy, 23, from his contract after the rookie from the University of Maine skated in two games with the team this past weekend in Charlotte. He had no points in the two appearances.
The Everblades (44-17-5) return to action Saturday night at Germain Arena when they host the Charlotte Checkers (32-25-8) for the fifth straight game.
n PINK IN THE RINK: The 25 pink jerseys worn by the Everblades players in their March 6 game to help raise awareness and money for cancer research, also raised $28,825 to be distributed to five different cancer charities – three local and two national recipients.
The jerseys from the inaugural promotion were auctioned off live after the game with the money raised benefitting the Cancer Alliance of Naples, Cape Coral Relay for Life, Barbara’s Friends, The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute and the Susan G. Komen For the Cure fund.
Everblades forward Ernie Hartlieb, who also donated his hair to Locks of Love after the game, saw his jersey draw the highest bid at $2,800. Rounding out the top five jerseys were: David Leggio ($2,600), Kevin Baker & Mark Lee ($2,100 each), and Mathieu Roy ($2,000).
The fundraiser boosts the total to more than $600,000 the Everblades now have raised for local charities since their inception.