Florida Everblade Ernie Hartlieb retires

To Florida Everblades fans, Ernie Hartlieb is what Dan Marino was to the Dolphins, or Joe Dimaggio to the Yankees-he embodied everything that "Blades" fans loved about their team. On the ice, he was a tough, gritty forward who could score a goal just as easily as "dropping the gloves" with an opponent, and after a nice 6 year career in a Blades uni, "big Ern" retired...

Hartlieb was brought to the team in '04 at the insistence of team President Craig Brush. Brush got to know Hartlieb when he played junior hockey in the metro Detroit area-where both are from. Ernie quickly became a fan favorite for his grit and willingness to dig pucks out of the corner to help set up plays, or to clear them on the penalty kill. After 6 years, Ernie leaves the Blades ranking amongst the top 5 all time in goals, assists and penalty minutes, and has played more games in a Blades jersey than any other player in the teams 12 year history.
As a writer, Ernie was always one of the most approachable guys in the locker room and, whenever a quote was needed, Ernie never hesitated to step up to the plate. I will always have a soft place in my heart for Ernie because it was he, along with Reggie Berg, who helped me settle in as a writer covering the team-during those first couple months, when I was unsure of myself and didn't know the names or faces, Ernie and Reggie always were willing to point out who I needed, or get them for me when necessary.
Over the summer I ran into Ernie during a round of golf at a local country club. At that time I took the opportunity to casually ask Ernie about his future plans and whether or not he was going to return for a 7th year as an Everblade. I could tell then, by his response, that he most likely wasn't going to come back-he just didn't have the gleam in his eye, or the excitement in his voice-things that I have come to associate with athletes who were looking forward to another year of competition-about coming back for another year.
Ernie will be missed by all who are associated with the team-from the ushers at the doors to the stick boys; from the marketing staff to team President Craig Brush; and even us lowly reporters who cover the team. One thing that will soften the blow for fans of Ernie is that they can expect him to be around for home games, more often than not, as a fan himself.
So long Ernie, and may all your future endeavors be successful ones.