Everblades sign Hartlieb to contract for '06-'07

EUSTIS — Florida Everblades President & General Manager Craig Brush along with Head Coach Gerry Fleming announced today that the team has signed forward Ernie Hartlieb to a contract for the 2006-07 season.

An ECHL All-Star last year, Hartlieb compiled the second highest point total in his career after tallying 54 points (18g, 36a) in 55 regular season games with the Everblades. The 27-year-old also pitched in with seven points (1g, 6a) in eight Kelly Cup Playoff games.

The highlights of Hartlieb’s 2005-06 season with the Everblades included being named a starter on the American Conference All-Star team, scoring a goal in the 2006 ECHL All-Star Game and notching his 200th career point on February 1.

“Ernie was a very big part of our success last year.” Fleming said. “It was important for us to bring him back to continue leading this team. Ernie proved to be a strong leader for us both on and off the ice last season, and we look for him to continue bringing those leadership qualities to our locker room.”

Hartlieb spent the 2004-05 season with three teams in two leagues. After beginning the season with the Lowell Lock Monsters of the American Hockey League where he skated in two games, Hartlieb joined the Everblades for 15 games, scoring 12 points (3g, 12a). He then earned a call-up to the Grand Rapids Griffins of the AHL where he spent the remainder of the regular season, notching nine points (3g, 6a) in 44 games. Following the regular season the Warren, Michigan native re-joined the Everblades for the playoffs, during which he scored six goals and added two assists in 14 post-season games.

In 2003-04 Hartlieb spent the entire season in the AHL with the Worcester Ice Cats, scoring 35 points (14g, 21a) in 63 games. Prior to that, the former Miami (Ohio) University product split the 2002-03 campaign between the Arkansas Riverblades of the ECHL and Worcester. Hartlieb tallied 21 goals and 34 assists in 47 games with Arkansas, then chalked up 15 points (7g, 8a) in 24 games with the IceCats.

His first full professional season in 2001-02 was spent with Arkansas scoring 7 goals and adding 27 assists in 71 games. Hartlieb entered the pro ranks with the Dayton Bombers of the ECHL in 2000-01 skating in five games, picking up two assists.

Prior to turning pro, Hartlieb spent four seasons with Miami (Ohio) University, where he scored 55 points (20g, 35a) in 116 career games.

Deposits are being accepted now for 2006-07 Florida Everblades season tickets! For just $50 per/seat you can reserve your piece of the action for next season! Visit www.floridaeverblades.com and www.germainarena.com for more information on ticket packages, pricing and upcoming Germain Arena events.