USA Hockey Magazine

And, of course, the Everblades have been suc- cessful at the ECHL level. "It's crazy how many people play hockey down here now," Brindley said. "I know when my dad hung up his skates he wanted to coach and help develop them in the sport. Having him and other former players helping out is one of the reasons hockey has gotten so good here. "The Everblades winning helps, too. I know a ton of those guys, and I'm sure a lot of them will do the same thing my dad and others have done when they are done playing to help grow the game even more." There are a lot of reasons the Everblades have thrived as a pro team in a state where hockey might not come to mind for many in the country. Adam Winslow, the executive vice president and chief marketing officer for the Florida Everblades and Hertz Arena, said strong ownership and leadership has created a positive culture on and off the ice. "The success of the Everblades has had a significant impact on the growth of hockey in the state of Florida," Winslow said. "By consistently fielding a competitive team, providing an exciting game day experience and promoting hockey at the grassroots level out in the Southwest Florida community, the Everblades have helped generate an interest in hockey among Floridians who may have not been exposed to the sport before." As they say, success breeds success. "This has led to increased participation in youth hock- ey programs, as well as the development of new rinks and facilities throughout the state," Winslow added. According to USA Hockey, Florida had the highest number of participants among states in the Southeastern region, with 19,550 playing last year. In comparison, Florida had 6,286 participants (coaches, players and officials) when the Everblades launched in 1998. For the Junior Everblades, keeping players in the program is key. The 6U and 8U groups average 50-60 players each year. " With retention being over 80%, our program will thrive for many years to come" Masnjak said. "We have families moving to our area for hockey. We believe our facility, programs, coaching and ownership are the best in the business, and it sure seems like many others feel that way as well." Being able to have year-round hockey helps, too, including a summer league that features 4-on-4 hockey. " We have the structure in place to keep kids from leaving to play anywhere else, and that has benefited us," Masnjak said. There is also the success of former Everblades such as Brindley and Casey, who were both part of Michigan's Frozen Four team this year. They were also members of the U.S. National Junior Team this past season. Meanwhile, former Junior Everblade Jacob Fowler backstopped the Youngstown Phantoms to the 2023 Clark Cup Championship in the USHL and won MVP honors. All three players are NHL draft picks too. Brindley was selected in the second round, 34th overall, by the Columbus Blue Jackets at this year's NHL Draft, and Fowler went in the third round, 69th overall, to the Montreal Canadiens. Casey was selected 46th overall (Round 2) by the New Jersey Devils last year. " Fa m i l i e s k n ow n ow t h a t y o u c a n g r ow u p p l ay- ing hockey in Florida and get to the highest level," Masnjak said. For Brindley, a lot of good memories came from those days in the Everblades' youth program. "It was really cool as a kid playing in the rink where the Everblades play," Brindley said. "I lived two minutes from the rink and walked to the rink in flip flops and shorts every day. I knew I was going to go in and have a blast and work hard. It's why I play the game and love it so much. Those experiences have helped make me who I am today." 28 // JULY 2023 USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM PHOTOS BY Images on Ice; Getty Images; Florida Everblades F L O R I D A E V E R - G R O W I N G V I D E O Gavin Brindley recalls his experience growing up in Florida. = Gavin Brindley won a bronze medal with the 2023 U.S. National Junior Team.

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