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.

Injury Update: Florida Everblades 02/16/2024

The Florida Everblades received some bad news on the injury front this week. Coach Ralph confirmed that forward Andrew Fyten is out for the season, and he was uncertain when forward Zach Tsekos would return to the lineup. Forward Bobo Carpenter landed on injured reserve on February 15th. Andrew Fyten is in his second season […]

ECHL Game Recap: Florida Everblades vs. Orlando Solar Bears | 02/14/2024

ESTERO, Fla.- Valentine’s Day wasn’t so sweet for the Florida Everblades as they hosted the intrastate Orlando Solar Bears. The Everblades and Hertz Arena hosted Margaritaville Night, and the team wore specialty Hawaiian-themed jerseys. 5,087 joined in singing Jimmy Buffest songs throughout the night, but the theme night, Valentine’s romance, and the energy the team had […]

ECHL Weekly Recap: Florida Everblades | 02/05-11/2024

The Florida Everblades went from famine to feast last week. They entered last week on a five-game losing streak, dropping games against the Greenville Swamp Rabbits, Jacksonville Icemen, and Savannah Ghost Pirates. Their opponent the previous week was the North-division leading Adirondack Thunder, who entered game one Wednesday night on a 17-game point streak. The Everblades […]

ECHL Transactions: Tulsa Oilers 02/13/2024

Forward Geoff Kitt has been suspended by the Tulsa Oilers and removed from the roster. Teams typically use this move to allow players to sign contracts with European teams. 27-year-old Geoff Kitt is a native of Sioux Lookout, ON. He played four seasons with Mercyhurst University before turning pro in 2022. Geoff played one game […]

Joe Pendenza: That Love of the Game and Baking

33-year-old Joe Pendenza credits his family, especially his uncle Vin, for his inspiration to play hockey. That inspiration led to his success on the ice for over 17 seasons, including nine as a professional. Born in Wilmington, Mass., on Thanksgiving Day in 1990, Joe grew up watching his uncle play in high school. Later, when […]

ECHL Fan Focus: From Australia with Love

When you think of sports in Australia, you think of Australian Rules Football, soccer, cricket, and rugby. Ice hockey wouldn’t even come up on the top 10 list of sports played down under. According to statista.com, there were 4,716 registered ice hockey players in Australia in 2019. In contrast, according to statista.com, there were 561,700 […]

PHOTOS: Adirondack Thunder vs. Florida Everblades – 02/09/2024

ESTERO, Fla. – The Florida Everblades hosted the Adirondack Thunder for game two of their series Friday night at Hertz Arena. The near-sell-out crowd of 7,010 barely made it to their seats before Everblades defenseman Zach Uens scored his first goal 15 seconds into the first period. Thunder goalie Tyler Brennan took a brutal hit a […]

PHOTOS: Adirondack Thunder vs. Florida Everblades – 02/07/2024

ESTERO, Fla. – The Florida Everblades‘ three-game home series against the Adirondack Thunder started Wednesday night at Hertz Arena. 5,438 fans cheered on the hometown Everblades to victory, 6-3. The two teams entered the night on opposite streaks; the Everblades had lost five straight games, and the Thunder had recorded a point in 17. The Thunder […]

ECHL Transactions: Florida Everblades 02/07/2024

In a trade involving the Florida Everblades and Idaho Steelheads, the Everblades received goalie David Tendeck in exchange for cash considerations. The trade was completed late Tuesday night, February 6th. David Tendeck was dressed and serving in a backup role for Cam Johnson during the Everblades’ game against the Adirondack Thunder Wednesday night in Estero, […]

ECHL Weekly Recap: Florida Everblades | 01/29-02/04/24

The Florida Everblades would love to forget last week, having entered the week in fifth place in the South Division and two points out of the final playoff spot. The Everblades have been hot in 2024, going 7-2-1-1, and last week’s opponents should have given them at least two wins. All three games last week […]