Turtle Power: ECHL’s Florida Everblades to Suit Up as ‘Las Tortugas’ For Hispanic Heritage Night

The ECHL’s Florida Everblades will be looking for a little turtle power when they suit up for their first-ever Hispanic Heritage Night this weekend.

The team — which is affiliated with the NHL’s Florida Panthers and based in the Cape Coral-Fort Myers metropolitan area — will take to the ice on Saturday, January 13, in special purple jerseys with a yellow “Las Tortugas” (“The Turtles”) script logo across the front.

The purple base color signifies power and royalty to recognize the championship pedigree of the Everblades. The custom shoulder patch is designed with Hispanic elements in mind while combining a classic hockey stick image with turtle imagery. The blue end stripe represents the flowing waters of Florida, a vital part of the local ecosystem. Finally, the torso features comma-like tracks, resembling the tracks of a loggerhead sea turtle on land, with Hispanic patterns included.
— Florida Everblades

Based on the graphics posted to social media and the game-worn jersey auction currently underway, the backs of the jerseys will feature the player’s name in blue on a darker purple nameplate. The numbers will be yellow with purple and blue outlines.

The “Tortugas” moniker is a bit unexpected from the Everblades, given that their primary logo (seen below) is an alligator in the shape of a skate. According to Google Translate, the Spanish word for “alligator” is caimán.

Game-worn autographed “Las Tortugas” jerseys are being auctioned off through Dash in three groups; bids close between Friday evening and Sunday evening. Proceeds will benefit the Immokalee Foundation.

“We are grateful and honored to be recognized during Hispanic Heritage Night at the Everblades game at Hertz Arena,” said Immokalee Foundation president and CEO Noemi Y. Perez in a press release. “Funds raised through the support and generosity of the Everblades, and their fans will continue our life-changing programs for the youth of Immokalee throughout the year, including our innovative Career Pathways program. This comprehensive educational approach prepares students for high-demand, well-paying jobs in Southwest Florida.”

Puck drop for the Everblades’ Hispanic Heritage Night game against the Savannah Ghost Pirates is at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday at the Hertz Arena in Estero, Florida.