Three-peat COMPLETE!

Florida Everblades continue legacy of savvy and success

 

By Gary Israel

 

The four-time Kelly Cup Champion Florida Everblades, having won the cup for an East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) record three consecutive seasons, have worked tirelessly to rebuild for the upcoming 2024-25 season. After their three-peat success, they know they will have a target on their backs as they are the envy of the ECHL.

Some may think that winning three championships in a row tells the whole story, but there is more to the Everblades’ success. Mike Kelly, vice president of business development and broadcasting, explained that in the process of winning the last three Kelly Cup championships, the Blades defeated the Brabham Cup champions of each of those seasons, (Toledo Walleyes, Idaho Steelheads and Kansas City Mavericks) in the finals and on home ice. Brabham Cup champions are the regular season points leaders.

Kelly gives credit to Head Coach and General Manager Brad Ralph and Everblades CEO and President Craig Brush for the tremendous job they have done in recruiting.

There are only three players that were on all three Kelly Cup Championship teams: goalie Cam Johnson, Captain Joe Pendenza and forward Kyle Nueber. Rebuilding season after season remains the greatest challenge.

 

New Affiliation

During the off-season, the Everblades entered into a new, multi-year affiliation agreement with the NHL’s St. Louis Blues and the Blues’ primary development affiliate, the Springfield Thunderbirds of the American Hockey League. The Blades’ new affiliates will provide two goalies, two defensemen and four forwards from their organizations this season.

“With three back-to- back-to-back winning seasons, there has been little time to recharge and regroup,” explained Coach Ralph. “Just a month’s work at the end of the season and quickly back to work recruiting and building the next team.”

When asked about the mindset required to start all over, Ralph quickly replied, “I’m hired to win!”

“And you start immediately to recreate that winning culture because you know the caliber of players you need to recruit, being mindful of how they need to work together and have the desire and will to win.”

Ralph and returning Assistant Coach Anthony Peters know what type of players they need, and they work together to add the ingredients to this recipe for success.

 

 

Loftier Goals

The 2024-25 season begins this year on Friday, Oct. 25, with the raising of the Kelly Cup Championship banner. When asked if the team will be shooting for their fourth Kelly Cup, Brush said, “Of course!”

The goal is always to win. “But, there is another record that we have in our sights,”Brush said.

He explained that in the 1980s, the New York Islanders won 17 playoff series in a row in the NHL. Even more special, in a time before free agency, the Islanders had 12 players who played on those four Stanley Cup championship teams, an incredible accomplishment. At this point in Blades’ history, Florida has won 12 playoff series, so one more Kelly Cup would bring them to 16. Then, brace yourselves for the excitement!

Johnson, the Blades’ proven goalie, is expected to return along with forwards Logan Lambdin, Reed Lebster, Andrew Fyten, Craig Needham, Ben Brar, Isaac Nurse, Jesse Lansdell and defenders Adrien Bisson, Riese Zmolek and Jordan Sambrook. The roster will be complete by training camp in mid October.

Another important goal for the Everblades organization each season is to continually enhance the fan experience. This is something the Everblades excel at every year. For the true hockey fans, what more could you want than an organization that delivers a winning team to the ice, making the playoffs in every season but one.

For casual hockey fans, the Everblades deliver great entertainment value, starting with the antics of the No. 1 ECHL hockey mascot, Swampee, an action-packed lineup of promotional nights and dozens of special giveaways.

This season, the Blades aim to beat their record of 12 sellout games in a season and ensure a fun-filled atmosphere – and some great hockey!

As Brush says, “Just try one game and see what you think!” 

Go Blades!