Former Florida Everblades forward Matt Hendricks will be inducted into the 2027 ECHL Hall of Fame. Hendricks began his professional career with the Florida Everblades in 2004-05 and earned a spot in the 2005 ECHL All-Star Classic. He will join Jeff Jakaitis and Derek Nesbitt in the 2027 Hall of Fame class.
Hendricks recorded 50 points, including 24 goals and 26 assists, in 54 games with the Everblades during his first professional season. He then spent the next four seasons in the American Hockey League before making his National Hockey League debut with the Colorado Avalanche during the 2008-09 season. He finished his NHL career with 116 points, including 54 goals and 62 assists, in 607 games.
Hendricks built NHL career after Florida start
Hendricks played for the Colorado Avalanche, Washington Capitals, Nashville Predators, Edmonton Oilers, Winnipeg Jets and Minnesota Wild. After retiring, he joined the Minnesota Wild front office. He currently serves as General Manager and Alternate Governor of the American Hockey League’s Iowa Wild.
Florida Everblades President and CEO Craig Brush credited Hendricks’ approach to the game for helping him reach the NHL. “Matt Hendricks was a star in the ECHL in his first year of pro hockey – a point a game player who played with an edge,” Brush said. Brush also highlighted Hendricks’ work to develop his faceoff, penalty-killing and shootout skills.
“Matt’s drive to get better and to master things like winning faceoffs, killing penalties and becoming a shootout artist is the reason he got to the NHL. And the reason he stayed there for 11 years and played in over 600 games. Now, he has taken that same passion in management. Expect to see Matt running an NHL team someday soon,” Brush said.
2027 ECHL Hall of Fame ceremony
The 2027 ECHL Hall of Fame ceremony will take place at 5 p.m. MT Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2027, at the Grove Hotel Ballroom in Boise, Idaho. Hendricks, Jakaitis and Nesbitt will be formally inducted as the 19th class of the ECHL Hall of Fame. The banquet will be held in conjunction with the 2027 Warrior/ECHL All-Star Classic presented by Project Filter.
The ceremony is presented by BFL CANADA and Sutton Special Risk. Hendricks’ induction recognizes a professional path that began with a 50-point season in Florida before continuing through the American Hockey League and NHL. His current role with the Iowa Wild keeps him involved in hockey management after his playing career.
FSB Take
Hendricks’ selection gives the Florida Everblades a clear connection to the 2027 ECHL Hall of Fame class. His 2004-05 season produced 50 points in 54 games and an All-Star Classic selection before he moved into the American Hockey League. His later NHL career and current Iowa Wild front-office role show how his professional path continued beyond his time in Florida.
Source: Original report