Everblades strike nears end; fans and businesses await games

ESTERO, Fla. - The work stoppage impacting the Florida Everblades and the ECHL appears to be nearing an end. A tentative agreement has been reached after a strike that left fans disappointed and businesses around Hertz Arena feeling the impact.

Madison Edwards from Naples Flatbread Kitchen and Bar said, “I mean, everyone knows the Everblades and all the families have all the passes and whatnot, so they're always coming out.”

Businesses near Hertz Arena often rely on the draw of home games to bring in families and fans.

Ashley Suppa, also from Naples Flatbread Kitchen and Bar, said, “I definitely think it's going to slow things down a little bit. This season in general has been a little bit off, so I just am hoping it doesn't negatively impact us more.”

Al Schulz from Ford’s Garage expressed concern, saying, “First reaction, I was like, wow, it's gonna hurt our business, you know, because we do get a lot a nice crowd before the games start.”

Fans, too, have found their plans disrupted.

Cory Mull, a teacher who bought tickets for Monday night, said, “Personally, I think it stinks, because we want to see them play.”

Mull explained, “we're on winter break and we want something to do on Monday night.”

Only this weekend’s games were postponed, but longtime fans were caught off guard.

Mary Beth Curry, a fan, asked, “Oh no. What's going to happen to Monday night's game?”

Despite the disruption, some fans understand the reasons behind the work stoppage.

Ashley Evans, a self-described sports fanatic, said, “I think that if the fans are happy, the players are happy, and I also think vice versa. So I think, you know, at the at the end of the day, it's entertainment, and everybody wants everyone to be happy so that the sport can produce what it's supposed to produce, which is entertainment.”

The PHPA, the players union involved, said it was advocating for better safety, travel conditions, and rest. Although the terms of the deal have not been disclosed, both sides need to ratify the agreement. There is no exact timeline for when players will return to the ice.