The Florida Everblades have recently established a long-term partnership with the St. Louis Blues from the National Hockey League. Starting in the 2024-25 season, the Everblades will act as an affiliate for the Blues and their main developmental affiliate, the Springfield Thunderbirds of the American Hockey League.

Everblades owner David Hoffmann, who hails from Missouri, expressed immense excitement about the affiliation with the St. Louis Blues. He described the chance to collaborate with a team from his home state, one that boasts a remarkable legacy and devoted supporters, as a truly extraordinary opportunity for both the Everblades organization and himself personally.

Kevin Maxwell, General Manager of the Springfield Thunderbirds, the AHL affiliate of the St. Louis Blues, expressed his excitement about the new partnership with the Everblades. He highlighted the Everblades’ impressive achievement of winning three consecutive Kelly Cup Championships and emphasized that this affiliation will create a conducive environment for the growth and progress of their prospects.

The Blues, established in 1967 during the NHL’s expansion, have had a successful history. They secured the Stanley Cup in 2019 and have made the most playoff appearances among the teams added in the expansion. Last season, the Blues finished with a 43-33-6 (92 pts) overall record, marking their ninth season with 90-plus points in the last 11 years. Since the 2010-11 season, Doug Armstrong has been the team’s general manager, making him the longest-tenured in the NHL. Under his leadership, the Blues have achieved over 600 regular-season wins, with five of the franchise’s top six regular-season point totals. Throughout their almost 60-year history, the Blues have qualified for the Stanley Cup Playoffs 45 times and have reached the Stanley Cup Final four times. In the upcoming 2024-25 season, the Everblades and Blues will be affiliated for the first time.

Everblades President Craig Brush expressed his enthusiasm about the St. Louis Blues becoming their new NHL affiliate. He commended the strong ownership group, led by Chairman and Governor Tom Stillman, as well as President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Doug Armstrong, for building an exceptional organization in St. Louis. Brush looks forward to playing a crucial role in the development of players for both the Blues and Springfield Thunderbirds. He also extended his gratitude to his long-time friend Steve Chapman, Executive Vice President, Chief Revenue & Marketing Officer for the Blues, for his dedicated efforts in making this partnership a reality.

Everblades, which was originally established in 1998, will soon be celebrating its 27th season in 2024-25. In the previous season of 2023-24, the team achieved their fourth Kelly Cup Championship and had the privilege of playing in front of sold-out crowds on 18 separate occasions. During an exceptional playoff run, the Everblades exhibited their prowess by recording a remarkable 16-7 postseason record, making them the first team in ECHL history to win the Kelly Cup for three consecutive seasons. Florida’s triumphs in capturing the Kelly Cup were accomplished in the years 2012, 2022, 2023, and 2024.

In addition, the Everblades have achieved remarkable success with six conference championships, eight division championships, and four Brabham Cups, which are given to the team with the best regular-season record in the ECHL. Throughout their 26 seasons, the Everblades have made it to the Kelly Cup Playoffs every year except for one, showcasing their consistent performance. Furthermore, an impressive number of 40 Everblades players have successfully transitioned to play in the NHL.

About Florida Everblades

Since their establishment in 1998, the Florida Everblades have gained a notable reputation as one of the top organizations in the ECHL. They have consistently performed well on the ice, making it to the playoffs in all but one season. The team has an impressive collection of achievements, including four Kelly Cups, being the first to win three consecutive Kelly Cups, winning the Brabham Cup four times for the best regular season record in the ECHL, and securing six conference titles and eight division titles. Over the course of 26 seasons, 40 players from the Everblades have progressed to the NHL. Not only have they created a winning tradition, but they have also garnered a large following in Southwest Florida. Their attendance records have consistently been among the top five in the ECHL, with six seasons of leading the league in attendance.

About St. Louis Blues 

In 1967, the St. Louis Blues joined the NHL as an expansion team. Since then, they have become one of the most accomplished organizations in league history. They have reached the Stanley Cup Final four times, won 10 division championships, and produced over 30 Hockey Hall of Fame alumni. In 2019, the Blues defied all odds by going from last place in the NHL standings on January 1 to winning their first Stanley Cup Championship. Led by their current and longest-serving NHL General Manager, Doug Armstrong, the Blues have been one of the most successful teams over the past decade and more. They rank fifth in regular-season wins with 601 victories, 11th in playoff wins with 50 triumphs, and have qualified for the postseason 10 times.

About Springfield Thunderbirds

Since its establishment in 2016, the Springfield Thunderbirds have been serving as the AHL affiliate of the St. Louis Blues. In 2022, the Thunderbirds achieved a significant milestone by winning the Richard F. Canning Trophy as the Eastern Conference Champions, marking the first time a Springfield hockey team had claimed such a title since 1991. Additionally, the franchise was honored with the AHL President’s Award as the Team of the Year in that same season. Throughout their existence, the Thunderbirds have played a vital role in nurturing future NHL stars like MacKenzie Weegar, Owen Tippett, Jake Neighbours, and many others. The City of Springfield boasts an impressive record, having secured seven Calder Cups over its nearly 90-year history in the American Hockey League. On the business front, the Thunderbirds have consistently seen growth in their average attendance each season, reaching new heights during the 2023-24 season with a record-breaking average of 6,321 attendees and 20 sellouts.