Ice Flyers Fall In Game Three Of First Round Playoffs
April 13, 2026
The season came to an end on Sunday for the Pensacola Ice Flyers.
Pensacola lost to the Evansville Thunderbolts 4-3 in overtime to end of the best of three series. On Wednesday, they lost to the Thunderbolts 4-1, and Friday won 3-1 at home in Pensacola.
This year, the Pensacola Ice Flyers have set a new franchise attendance record for the fourth consecutive season.
A total of 168,493 fans attended Ice Flyers games during the 2025–26 regular season, surpassing last year’s total of 152,702 and continuing a steady rise in support from the Pensacola community.
“When you look at attendance numbers like these, it really speaks to the connection between our organization and the Pensacola community. It’s easy to focus on the number itself, but what stands out more is what it represents. Over the last four seasons, this has become something people here really care about and want to be a part of. That kind of support doesn’t happen everywhere. We don’t take it lightly, and we are extremely grateful,” said owner Greg Harris.
The season included five sellout crowds, highlighted by both 5 Dollar Nights, Wiener Dog Race Night, and two Military Appreciation Nights, including the final regular season home game this past weekend.
Night after night, the Hangar provided an environment that has become a consistent advantage for the Ice Flyers and a central part of the game night experience.
“There’s a lot that goes into creating that kind of atmosphere. Our staff puts in a ton of work behind the scenes to make sure everything runs smoothly, from the fan experience to the details people may not even notice. When you combine that with the way our fans show up and the energy they bring, it creates something that players feel and respond to,” said Senior Director of Operations Brenden Arney.
The Ice Flyers have now increased their total attendance in each of the past four seasons, marking one of the strongest stretches of sustained growth in franchise history.
Tate High Graduate Ethan McAnally Named Conference Baseball Player of the Week
April 12, 2026
Francis Marion University junior Ethan McAnally was recently named the Conference Carolinas Baseball Player of the Week.
McAnally, a Tate High graduate and native of Molino, posted a .500 batting average (8-for-16) with three extra-base hits, six runs batted in, five runs scored, and two stolen bases, as the Patriots posted a 3-1 mark. He registered a .813 slugging percentage and a .550 on-base percentage in 16 at-bats.
In a game last week, he finished 3-for-6 at the plate with one RBI, two runs scored, and one stolen base in a 14-10 comeback win over No. 1 Catawba College at a neutral site in Kannapolis, N.C.,
In a three-game series versus the University of Mount Olive, McAnally went 5-for-10 with a two-run homer, two doubles, five RBIs, three runs scored, three walks, and one stolen base, as Francis Marion took two of three games to take the series.
McAnally ranks seventh in NCAA Division II with 51 runs batted in, while sitting ninth overall with 49 runs scored and 101 total bases. He also ranks among the top 10 in the nation with 12 home runs this year.
McAnally is majoring in mechanical engineering.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ice Flyers Seek Win In Deciding Playoff Game Today At Evansville
April 12, 2026
The joyous chants and celebratory claps reverberated through the walls and hallway, leading to the Ice Flyers dressing room.
You could feel the scene just by hearing it.
In what became one of their most complete games, the Ice Flyers solved the Evansville riddle, producing in a 3-1 victory Friday night against the defending champion Thunderbolts at the Pensacola Bay Center in Game 2 of their SPHL quarterfinal round playoff series.
The win was the Ice Flyers first playoff game victory in four years. It forced a deciding game on Sunday at 3 p.m. in Evansville, Indiana where the Ice Flyers will seek their first playoff series win since 2021 when they won their fourth SPHL President’s Cup championship.
“Satisfying to win, that’s for sure,” said Ice Flyers coach Jeremy Gates, whose team lost four regular-season games against the Thunderbolts and the playoff opener April 8 at the Ford Center in Evansville. “(Ice Flyers players) played hard and in the right way. It was good.
“To have our team play the way they did shows we can do it. We can play with anybody in this league. And the good news is that we get to play again on Sunday and try to prove that all over again.”
Both teams left Pensacola on Friday night for the 600-mile bus trip to Evansville. For the Ice Flyers, the all-night journey was their third trip to southwestern Indiana in nine days.
They finished the regular-season last weekend in Evansville, returned to Pensacola, traveled back to Evansville on Tuesday, then back again Friday night.
But Sunday presents a chance to make it all enjoyable. Neither team had practice availability on Saturday due to an event at the Ford Center. Gates preferred his team get right back on the bus for the long ride, as opposed to leaving Saturday morning.
“What happens is after these games, it’s really hard for hockey players to fall asleep,” Gates said. “So sleep on the bus…. we’ll get some breakfast, we’ll get there, rest and get to bed early. This time of year, we need the rest.”
The Ice Flyers breakthrough playoff win Friday was embraced by a crowd of 4,772, which by far was the largest crowd of the four SPHL quarterfinal games that night.
It adds to the Ice Flyers setting another attendance record – their third year in a row – after drawing 168,493 fans in 29 home games this season. Attracting large crowds for a playoff game is difficult, because of an uncertain schedule and little time to sell group outings or advance sales.
But Gates sensed the enthusiasm earlier Friday afternoon when he went out for lunch.
“I had people I never met before in my life, saying they were coming to the game,” Gates said. “They recognized me and that’s impressive. Everyone is just so supportive. It just shows the passion here and this community has something to cheer for and support.
“Our front office does a heckuva job promoting it and I just want us to do our part as a team in putting the right guys on the ice and win a hockey game.”
With the crowd chanting, “Let’s Go Flyers!” moments after the opening faceoff, the Ice Flyers produced the game’s first goal, less than five minutes into the game, when Tyler Burnie got a pass from Tyler German and rifled home a wrist shot from inside faceoff circle.
After Evansville tied the game in the second period, Ice Flyers defenseman and enforcer Laudon Poellinger scored on a wrist shot with 45 seconds left in the period. Earlier in the period, he engaged with Evansville’s Cameron MacPhee in a mid-ice fight after the two instantly left the penalty box for roughing.
Poellinger had a huge night. Two scraps, a goal, an assist and chosen as the game’s No. 1 star.
“He had a Gordie Howe hat trick” said Gates, referring to the legendary Detroit Red Wings’ Hall of Famer known for his scoring and brawling. “He had a goal, an assist and a fight.
“(Poellinger) was involved all over the ice. Heckuva game by him. But everybody played well. The level of experience we’re gathering from this is just one step at a time. We got three more periods to play (on Sunday) and we’ll see what happens.”
The Ice Flyers got a pivotal final goal Friday when Matt Allen perfectly timed the carom off the back boards from a teammates and sent the puck into the net before Evansville’s talented goaltender Kristian Stead had time to react. Those are the kind of bounces you need in a playoff game.
Evansville coach Jeff Bes pulled Stead with four minutes remaining, following a timeout, to give the Thunderbolts an extra attacker. But Ice Flyers goaltender Christian Propp won his fourth game in seven starts by finishing an outstanding performance between the pipes.
It included stopping Evansville on a wide open breakaway in the first period. Propp is playing with his fifth different team this season after joining the Ice Flyers in late March.
“He was focused from the start,” Gates said. “He provides the type of leadership that has experience. He has played in big games before.”
Evansville has an 18-8 home record with three overtime losses. Gates knows it figures to be another hard-checking, hard-grinding type of game on Sunday for the chance to reach the semifinals.
No matter what happens, the Ice Flyers were able to re-establish themselves this season in the league with an upper-tier finish in the standings and getting a playoff win.
“We are a learning group that is just kinda chugging away at it,” Gates said. “Sometimes being naïve to things is great. It’s step by step. I’m proud, but not satisfied.
“We work our butts off, everyone in this organization to just keep inching away at it. Maturing, being professional every single day.. and giving our guys the best opportunity.
“(Evansville) have a lot of experience over there. They won last year and have a lot of guys who have come back and know how to do those little things. But we are a better hockey team when we play the game the right way.”
written by Bill Vilona
Despite Late Rally, Wahoos Fall Short To Shuckers
April 12, 2026
Despite a late rally, the Pensacola Blue Wahoos fell to the Biloxi Shuckers 7-5 on Saturday night.
Pensacola got off to a good start with club ace Karson Milbrandt (L, 0-1) opening the game with three scoreless innings. The Wahoos then struck first offensively with a three-run fourth inning, thanks to a throwing error by Biloxi on a single from Jay Beshears, and a sacrifice fly from Dylan Jasso. This gave Pensacola a 3-0 lead.
That lead would not make it out of the fourth inning though, as the Shuckers answered for five runs, kickstarted by a fielding error from second baseman Cristian Hernández. It was completed with a two-run home run from Darrien Miller, and an RBI single and steal of home from Kay-Lan Nicasia.
Biloxi tacked on two more via an Eduardo Garcia single in the fifth and a Matthew Wood sacrifice fly in the seventh. The Wahoos would threaten late, stealing back a run in the eighth inning on a Ryan Ignoffo double, and adding one more in the ninth, thanks to a Brendan Jones double. Sam Garcia (S, 1) entered from the Biloxi bullpen to strike out Fenwick Trimble and Ignoffo, stranding the potential tying run at second base to end the game.
Stiven Cruz (W, 1-0) was awarded the win after pitching 4.0 scoreless, hitless frames in long relief for Biloxi.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Shuckers on Sun
day.
Northiew Lady Chiefs Walk Off With Senior Night Win
April 11, 2026
The Northview Lady Chiefs walked off with a 15-0 shutout of Destin on Senior Night in Bratt.
Kylee Langham had a two-run inside-the-park home run for the Chiefs.
Senior Peyton Womack pitched a complete mercy-rule-shortened four innings, allowing just three hits and no runs while striking out six and walking two.
For a photo gallery, click here. (Look for Senior Night photos at the end of the gallery.)
Before the game, Northview honored seniors Riley Brooks, Amanda Fernandez, and Peyton Womack.
Next week, the Lady Chiefs will travel to Jay on Thursday.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tate Lacrosse Falls To Gulf Breeze In District Semifinals
April 11, 2026
The Tate Aggies fell in the 2A District 1 Lacrosse tournament on Friday at No. 1 Gulf Breeze 20-3.
Wednesday’s Tate 12-0 win over Milton in the quarterfinals was a first in program history.
The Aggies finished the season at 8-12, 2-5 in the district.
Gulf Breeze will host Navarre on Tuesday in the district championship.
Just before districts, the Aggies recognized four seniors on Senior Night:
- Taelyn Hubbard
- Reagan Schoonover
- Tori Sappington
- Emily Walson
For more senior night photos, click here.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview Golfer Jack Boutwell Signs With Reid State
April 11, 2026
Friday afternoon, Northview High School golfer Jack Boutwell signed to continue his education and play golf at the next level.
Boutwell will be attending Reid State Community College on scholarship.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ice Flyers Win Game Two Of Playoff Series (With Gallery)
April 11, 2026
In front of a Whiteout crowd at the Hangar, the Pensacola Ice Flyers delivered when it mattered most, defeating the Evansville Thunderbolts to even their best-of-three playoff series at one game apiece.
Facing elimination following a 4–1 loss in Game 1, the Ice Flyers came out with urgency and energy from the opening puck drop. Tyler Burnie ignited the crowd in the first period, netting the game’s opening goal and sending the Ice Flyers Faithful to their feet. The early strike proved to be the lone goal of the period, giving Pensacola a 1–0 lead heading into the intermission.
Evansville answered early in the second period, evening the score and briefly shifting momentum. But Pensacola responded late in the frame, as Laudon Poellinger found the back of the net to restore the lead. The Ice Flyers carried that 2–1 advantage into the second intermission, fueled by a strong forecheck and consistent offensive pressure.
The Ice Flyers continued to push in the third period, refusing to let up. Midway through the frame, Matt Allen extended the lead to 3–1, giving Pensacola breathing room and sending the Hangar into a frenzy. From there, the Ice Flyers locked things down defensively and closed out the win to force a decisive Game 3.
With the series now tied, Pensacola will turn its focus to Evansville, where the winner-take-all Game 3 is set for Sunday at 3 p.m
Wahoos Win A Thriller For First Win Of The Season
April 11, 2026
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos notched their first win of the season in thrilling fashion Friday night, edging out a 5-4 win over the Biloxi Shuckers. Pensacola improved their record to 1-5 while Biloxi fell to 4-3.
Catcher Ryan Ignoffo had an eventful first inning, catching Dylan O’Rae trying to steal second base, and then making an athletic play to nab Jesús Made at first base on a groundball in front of the plate.
The Wahoos followed that up with three runs in the top of the second inning while sending 9 batters to the plate. The scoring came on an error by the shortstop, Eric Brown Jr., on a batted ball by Emaarion Boyd, and a two-run single from Gage Miller.
The offense output continued into the third inning, when Michael Snyder brought Ian Lewis Jr. home on an RBI groundout. And the fourth was no different, as the good guys tacked on one more run, courtesy of a Fenwick Trimble sacrifice fly.
The Shuckers did make it interesting though. They scored twice in the fourth inning on RBIs from Mike Boeve and Matthew Wood, and twice more in the fifth inning on a throwing error from Cristian Hernández, and a bases-loaded walk from Wood again.
From then on, both bullpens would go scoreless. Pensacola would lean on Luis Polacios (W, 1-0), Justin King, and Samuel Vásquez to go the final 4.2 innings, while Biloxi went to Tanner Gillis and Mark Manfredi Sr. to finish the final 6.0 innings.
Wahoos starter, Brandon White, went 3.2 innings and allowed two runs in a no-decision. Shuckers starter, Bishop Letson (L, 0-2), went 1.1 innings and allowed 3 runs in his second loss of the season.
Ian Lewis Jr. left the game in the seventh inning with an apparent leg injury after grounding out to second-base.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Shuckers on Saturday.
written by Charlie Hobert
Tate Celebrates Senior Night With Walk-Off Win Over Washington (Gallery)
April 10, 2026
Tate 8, Washington 7
The Tate Aggies celebrated Senior Night with a dramatic 8-7 walk-off win over the Washington Wildcats on Thursday night in Cantonment.
The Aggies, trailing 4-0 in the second, fought their way back.
Keelan Beasley earned the win for Tate, surrendering one hit and one unearned run in four innings while walking one and striking out three. Lance Brady opened on the mound for Tate, giving up five hits and six runs (four earned) in three innings while striking out five and walking two.
Griffin Cook went 2-for-3 at bat for Tate with one RBI. Hunter Clayton, Kaden Posta, Evan Taylor, Cooper Halfacre, and Aydan Nigam also recorded one RBI each.
For a photo gallery, click here. (Look for Senior Night photos at the end of the gallery.)
The Aggies will end the regulars season at home next Tuesday against Crestview.
Before the game, Tate honored senior players:
- Keelan Beasley
- Aiden Bramblett
- Nathan Connors
- Gene Ham
- Bryton McLellan
- Evan Taylor
And the team also honore senior Diamond Girls:
- Mya Beani
- Rieslin Colvin
- Hailey Floyd
- Mary Hauc
- Brooke Holland
- Emily Holmes
- McKenna Lister
- Brooke Macaluso
- Kylie Pelt
- Riley Phelps
- Cherish Simpkins
- A’myiah Williams
- Madison Wise
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
