'Blades Add NHL Defenseman Ryan O'Byrne

ESTERO, FL – The Florida Everblades announced Friday that the team has agreed to terms with defenseman Ryan O’Byrne.

O’Byrne joins the Everblades after playing the past six seasons in the National Hockey League totaling 33 points (3g, 30a) and 303 penalty minutes in 266 games split between the Montreal Canadiens and Colorado Avalanche. The 6-5, 234-pound blue-liner registered seven points (1g, 6a) along with 57 penalty minutes in 74 games played with the Avalanche last season.

O’Byrne added 10 assists in 64 games with Colorado during the 2010-11 season. Prior to Colorado, O’Byrne posted 16 points with the Montreal Canadiens from 2007-2010. He accumulated 20 points in 100 appearances with the Hamilton Bulldogs (AHL) from 2006-2008.

The Victoria, BC native played three seasons at Cornell University, finishing his collegiate career with 25 points (10g, 13a). O’Bryne is third-round draft selection of the Montreal Canadiens in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.

O’Byrne is expected to be in the lineup tonight when the Everblades play host to Greenville at Germain Arena beginning at 7:30 p.m. Fans who bring a new unwrapped toy to the game to donate to Toy for Tots, can receive a discounted endzone game ticket for just $10.

The two teams will meet again on Saturday, December 1, which is the annual IBERIABANK Teddy Bear Toss game. Bring a stuffed animal to throw onto the ice after the Blades score their first goal. All of the stuffed animals will be rounded-up and distributed to local children’s charities.

The Capital Bank Box Office is open Monday thru Friday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Fans may also call Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000, or order online at www.ticketmaster.comPartial-season packages start as low as $150, and offer a flexible option for fans.

The packages make great holiday gifts for the hockey fan in your life. For more information on all available packages, call the Everblades office at 239-948-7825, or purchase tickets online.