ECHL South Division Semifinals – Game 1 Recap: Jacksonville Icemen vs Florida Everblades

Florida Everblades took a 1-0 lead in their South Division Semifinal series against the Jacksonville Icemen with a thrilling 3-2 overtime victory Friday night at Hertz Arena. The defending champs leaned on veteran experience, timely special teams, and a heroic finish from Alex Kile to close out Game 1 in style.

First Period – Florida Strikes First on the Power Play

The game’s first penalty came just two minutes in when Connor Russell was whistled for hooking at 2:05. Florida took full advantage. Just seconds later, Jordan Sambrook blasted a power-play goal through traffic off a pass from Colin Theisen to give the Everblades the early lead.

GOAL (2:15): Jordan Sambrook (FLA) – Power Play, assisted by Colin Theisen

The Everblades picked up a bench minor for too many men at 2:53 but killed off the Icemen’s first opportunity. Later in the frame, Jacksonville’s Luke Lodermeier (cross-checking, 11:37) and Ty Cheveldayoff (tripping, 15:03) were both sent off, but Vernon kept Florida from extending the lead with a series of impressive saves.

Score: Florida 1, Jacksonville 0
Shots on Goal: Florida 16, Jacksonville 8
Power Plays: Florida 1/2, Jacksonville 0/1
Penalties: Florida 2, Jacksonville 2

Second Period – Icemen Rally for Two

Jacksonville flipped the script in the second. Garrett Van Wyhe was penalized for cross-checking at 6:52, but the Everblades came up empty. Just minutes later,the Everblades’ Kyle Betts went off for roughing at 8:52, giving Jacksonville their second power play of the night.

The Icemen capitalized. Olivier Nadeau scored at 10:32, firing a quick shot off a cross-ice feed from Brendan Harris, with Garrett Van Wyhe collecting the secondary assist to tie the game 1-1.

GOAL (10:32): Olivier Nadeau (JAX) – Power Play, assisted by Brendan Harris and Garrett Van Wyhe

Jacksonville kept momentum going and struck again just 1:14 later. Logan Cockerill buried a quick-release shot from the slot after Brendan Harris forced a turnover and fed him in stride, giving the Icemen a 2-1 lead.

GOAL (11:46): Logan Cockerill (JAX) – Even Strength, assisted by Brendan Harris

The Everblades struggled to respond offensively in the frame and managed just eight shots on net. Vernon stayed sharp, denying several perimeter looks and protecting Jacksonville’s lead.

Score: Jacksonville 2, Florida 1
Shots on Goal: Jacksonville 11, Florida 8
Power Plays: Jacksonville 1/2, Florida 0/2
Penalties: Jacksonville 1, Florida 1

Third Period – Betts Ties It Short-Handed

The third period was filled with whistles. Ty Cheveldayoff and Connor Doherty were sent off for offsetting roughing minors at 2:34. Moments later, Connor Russell took a slashing penalty (6:01), followed by a minor on Oliver Chau for interference at 6:49.

The Jacksonville Icemen then went on the power play when Chris Grando drew a slashing call at 7:41, butthe Everblades responded with the most critical moment of the night.

With the Icemen on the man advantage, Kyle Betts picked off a pass and broke in on Vernon, tucking home a shorthanded goal at 16:31 to tie the game and ignite the Everblades bench.

GOAL (16:31): Kyle Betts (FLA) – Shorthanded, assisted by Connor Doherty

Tempers flared again late in the period as Lukas Lambdin and Jesse Lansdell took roughing minors at 14:44, but neither side could break the tie before the buzzer.din

Score: Florida 1, Jacksonville 0
Shots on Goal: Florida 19, Jacksonville 7
Power Plays: Jacksonville 0/1, Florida 0/1
Penalties: Jacksonville 3, Florida 3

Overtime – Kile Seals the Comeback

Florida carried its third-period momentum into overtime. They controlled possession, earned zone time, and eventually, the game-winner.

At 13:05 of the first overtime period, Alex Kile drove into the slot and snapped a shot past Vernon off a pass from Jesse Lansdell, clinching the Game 1 win for the Florida Everblades.

GOAL (73:05): Alex Kile (FLA) – Overtime, assisted by Jesse Lansdell

Score: Florida 1, Jacksonville 0
Shots on Goal: Florida 9, Jacksonville 7
Power Plays: None
Penalties: None

Goaltending Matchup

Cam Johnson, the 2025 ECHL Goaltender of the Year, made 31 saves on 33 shots to earn the win for the Florida Everblades. Matt Vernon was equally exceptional for the Jacksonville Icemen in spite of the loss, stopping 49 of 52 shots and keeping the Icemen alive under relentless pressure.

Three Stars of the Game

Alex Kile (FLA) – Overtime game-winner, 6 shots
Cam Johnson (FLA) – 31 saves, settled in after second period
Matt Vernon (JAX) – 49 saves in a stellar, under-siege performance

Team Stats

Final Score: Florida 3, Jacksonville 2 (OT)
Total Shots: Florida 52, Jacksonville 33
Power Plays: Florida 1/5, Jacksonville 1/4
Penalty Minutes: Florida – 12 PIM, Jacksonville – 14 PIM

Next Up – Game 2 Tonight

The South Division Semifinals continue tonight as the Florida Everblades host the Jacksonville Icemen for Game 2 at Hertz Arena. Florida looks to extend their series lead, while Jacksonville will aim to bounce back and split the opening road set. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET.