Ghost Pirates Set New Franchise Record With Win Over Everblades

It was a battle of netminders Wednesday night in Estero, Florida, and the Savannah Ghost Pirates’ Evan Cormier bested his former team.

Cormier made 23 saves in a 2-1 Savannah victory over the defending Kelly Cup Champion Everblades in front of 5,781 fans at Hertz Arena. Cormier appeared in 22 games during last season’s Cup run for Florida, and picks up his team-leading 10^th victory of the season for the Ghost Pirates.

It was the first meeting between the two South Division rivals this season. Savannah sets a new franchise record with five consecutive road victories and moves its overall mark to 19-14-2. The Everblades fall to 24-8-3.

It was a scoreless first period. Will Riedell finally broke through for Savannah 16:29 into the middle frame after getting open at the left circle during a power-play opportunity. Riedell’s shot hit off the far post and got in past Florida goaltender Cam Johnson, who came into the game leading the ECHL with a 1.58 goals-against average and .938 save percentage. It was Riedell’s sixth goal of the year, with assists from Nate Staios and Reece Vitelli.

The Ghost Pirates tacked on the eventual game-winner at 7:37 of the third period when Liam Walsh got one over Johnson’s left shoulder on an odd-man rush led by Keaton Pehrson and Nick Granowicz.

Walsh scored for the second straight game, and it was the second game-winner in as many contests for the line of Walsh, Granowicz and Kyle Jeffers.

Florida broke the shutout when Jesse Lansdell scored on a rebound during a power play at 14:44 to cut Savannah’s lead to 2-1, which turned out to be the final score.

Both teams dropped the gloves just as the game ended, as one might expect with two strong division rivals.

Cormier has had an impressive stretch for the Ghost Pirates, winning his last four starts and posting a 2.50 GAA during that span. He’s now 10-6-1 on the season, while Johnson stopped 20 shots in the loss.

Cormier was one of four players facing his former team Wednesday. Dennis Cesana, Staios and Kai Schwindt also played for Florida last season.

The two teams face off again at Hertz Arena on Friday and Saturday. Puck drop for Friday’s game is set for 7:30 Pm ET, and Saturday’s contest is scheduled for 7 Pm.