Florida Everblades — a secret in the south

You know the saying: “Don’t judge a book by its cover.”

Way down deep in Florida…roundabout Ft. Myers…you have a “minor league” hockey team that’s been thriving there for 25 years.

The Florida Everblades, the 2021-22 ECHL Kelly Cup Champions, have carved out a very nice existence, thank you. Only the NHL’s Florida Panthers – the Everblades’ parent club – are further south on the hockey map.

And if that wasn’t enough to suspend belief, when you walk into Hertz Arena you see a single-deck bowl that seats 7,000 fans ringed by nicely appointed, but modest luxury suites. The concession stands on the concourse are unassuming.

So yeah, on first blush, you’re thinking – “minor league standard hot dogs and popcorn cuisine”.

But the savvy Everblades fans – those in the know and the regulars – arrive at the building a little early. And they have a free reservation for a table at the Breakaway Pub and when you take the elevator to the second floor, you suddenly realize there is something deeper is afoot.

Maybe you’re lucky enough to get a table. And you’re anxiously waiting to give the server your order because you’re starving and the smell…oh…the savory perfume wafting from the kitchen is too much.

And then you’re watching a server walk by. She’s carrying a plate of fresh mozzarella artistically drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette.

Wait.

Did you see the presentation on that plate? Your mind does a double take. It’s high-end restaurant grade.

A hand-tossed New York-style pizza walks by that looks and smells so legit you’d think it came directly from Mulberry Street.

The surprises keep rolling. The best, most-tender chicken wings you’ve ever had. Sandwiches that have weird names – like “The Hot Rachel” – and sound like common ingredients but is so insanely good, you’ll forget there’s a hockey game still waiting to take place.

This is just the tip of the hockey stick.

Season 1, Episode 2 of Food Scouts will introduce you to one of the biggest surprises and stories you’ll find in the sports world. How a “minor league” hockey team is cranking out world-class food and using their culinary capabilities to serve the community during disasters.

Keep an eye out for this forthcoming episode!

We want to thank the Florida Everblades, particularly Collette McCormack and Chef Chris Cassel for their incredible hospitality, access and patience as we dug deep into their operation.