Author: James Slemp

I write for and photograph the Florida Everblades for ITR. I am a retiree that has turned my hobby of photography into a business. I currently live in Sarasota, Florida with my wife, Christy, but I'm originally from California. My previous career has taken me all over the US and the world and I definitely enjoy traveling. I've played hockey for over 30 years, learning as an adult, and love the game.

ECHL Playoffs: Florida Everblades vs. Jacksonville Icemen Game 5 | 04/27/2024

Estero, Fla.- The Jacksonville Icemen and Florida Everblades entered Saturday night’s game at Hertz Arena with different objectives. The Icemen wanted to win the game and close out the two-time Kelly Cup Champions, and the Everblades wanted a win to extend the series to game six. Game four saw both teams play a physical, constrictive style […]

ECHL Playoffs: Florida Everblades vs. Jacksonville Icemen Game 4 | 04/26/2024

Estero, Fla.- Matt Vernon continued to play incredible in net on Friday night. His 31 saves on 31 shots moved his save percentage for the four-game series to 0.959, giving him his second shutout. His performance was supported by defensive pairings and a scheme that clogged the shooting lanes, blocked shots and passes, and prevented the […]

ECHL Round One | Game Three: Florida Everblades vs. Jacksonville Icemen | 04/24/2024

Estero, Fla.- After splitting the first two games of round one in Jacksonville, the Icemen and Florida Everblades continued their series in Estero, Fla., on Wednesday night. The Everblades will host games three, four, and five, and the series will continue in Jacksonville if necessary. These two teams have been more evenly matched than the scores […]

ECHL Round One: Kansas City Mavericks Sweep into the Second Round | 04/22/2024

Tulsa, Okla.- The Kansas City Mavericks completed their four-game sweep of the Tulsa Oilers on Monday night on the road in Tulsa. Looking at how the teams finished the regular season, many people expected the Mavericks to eliminate the Oilers in the first round, given the strength of the Mavericks compared to the Oilers and their […]

ECHL: Florida Everblades Announce 2024 Kelly Cup Playoff Roster

The Florida Everblades announced their Playoff Roster on Tuesday. Each playoff team can have a maximum of 24 players, 20 active players, and four on reserve. Each team, however, must have at least 17 active players and at least two eligible goaltenders. Players on loan to the NHL or AHL can be placed on a […]

ECHL: The Tulsa Oilers Clinch a Kelly Cup Playoff Berth

It took the Tulsa Oilers five games to finally clinch the last playoff spot in the Mountain Division, but they settled it on Sunday, their last game of the regular season, against the Allen Americans 4-1. This marks the third time in five seasons that the Oilers have made the playoffs and the first time […]

ECHL: The Florida Everblades Clinch a Kelly Cup Playoff Berth

The Florida Everblades clinched a playoff spot on Friday night when they defeated the visiting South Carolina Stingrays 2-1. The final two playoff spots in the South Division were up for grabs entering this week, with the Stingrays, Everblades, and Orlando Solar Bears all fighting for those two spots. The Everblades’ rare victory over the […]

ECHL: On the Bench with Florida Everblades Todd Skirving

The Florida Everblades entered Wednesday needing to win two of their last three games to lock up a playoff spot, but they will face stiff competition from their opponents as they battle for positioning. The Everblades play the Jacksonville Icemen for one game on Wednesday night at Hertz Arena. The Icemen have locked up a […]

ECHL Transactions: Florida Everblades 04|04|2024

The Florida Everblades made several player transactions yesterday and today, including releasing two players from contract, signing one player to a contract, and signing a player from the now-defunct Newfoundland Growlers. The Everblades released forward PJ Fletcher and defenseman Pito Walton from their contracts. Fletcher signed his first professional contract on March 25 and played in […]

ECHL Playoff Push in the South: Florida Everblades

Amazing April? Aggressive April? All or Nothing, April? Regardless of what you want to call it, April is an exciting and frustrating time for teams in the ECHL as the season draws to a close and playoff positions are finalized. The League enters the month of April with between five and eight games remaining and […]