The Jacksonville Icemen faced the Florida Everblades in their home finale tonight in front of 8,326 fans. Jacksonville battled for 60-minutes but Florida's offensive burst in the second would be the difference-maker in the 4-2 loss.
The game started off feeling a bit like deja vu when Florida's Sam Warning once again struck just over one minute into the first period. It wouldn't take long for the Icemen to answer back when Tanner Eberle buried a pass from Matt Ustaski to even the score at 8:21. Cody Fowlie gave the Icemen the 2-1 lead less than four minutes later on a feed from Josh Robinson.
After only getting five shots in the first period, Florida turned up the offense in the second with 13 shots. Two of those shots found the back of the net to give the 'Blades the 3-2 lead heading into the final frame.
Halfway through the third period it appeared Colten Veloso would tally his first professional goal for the Icemen to tie the score, but it would be a no-goal. Soon after, the 'Blades would notch the insurance goal on a power play for the 4-2 final.
The Icemen will travel to Estero to face the Everblades tomorrow to conclude the 2017-2018 inaugural season, presented by Community First Credit Union. Puck drops at 7:00 p.m. ET.
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