Orlando Rallies for 4-3 Shootout Win

ORLANDO, FL – The Orlando Solar Bears rallied from a 3-0 deficit to the defeat the Florida Everblades 4-3 in the overtime shootout at the Amway Center Friday night.

Florida got on the board first at 15:02 of the opening period. Matthew Pistilli centered a pass in front to Mathieu Roy who directed the puck past Orlando goaltender Patrick Killeen for the goal.  The ‘Blades took the 1-0 lead into the first break.

The Everblades added to their lead five minutes into the second period, when Corey Trivino sent a backhanded pass to the slot which was rifled into the net by Pistilli to extend the lead by two.

Less than 90 second later, Aaron Bogosian grabbed the puck at the half wall on the right wing side and lifted a pass to the slot and found Olivier Dame-Malka pinching up from the point.  Malka immediately flexed the puck into the nest past the leg pad of Killeen to lift Florida to a 3-0 advantage.

Orlando turned things around two minutes later, when Ryan Ginand wristed a shot from a tough angle low at the right wing circle. The shot found an opening between the post and the body of Nagle to put the Solar Bears on the board 3-1.

The Solar Bears connected again at 14:09 of the middle frame when James Sanford hammered home a one-timer from the top of the right wing circle to pull the his team within one after 40 minutes played.

Five minutes into the third, the Everblades got into penalty trouble, which resulted in a 5-on-3 power play opportunity for Orlando.  The Solar Bears converted, as a shot by Ryan Ginand was tipped in front by Michael Neal. Neal’s tip redirected the puck through the five-hole of Nagle for the game tying goal.

Both teams generated chances for the remainder of the third, but the game remained tied at the end of regulation.  This remained quiet in overtime, and the game was decided in the shootout.

Florida was unable to strike the back of the net in the shootout, as Killeen turned aside all four shots faced.  Chris Lawrence and Dan Dries converted on their shootout attempts to seal the 4-3 shootout victory for the Solar Bears.

The teams meet again on Saturday at Germain Arena beginning at 7:00 p.m. Saturday is Kid’s Night!  The World Famous Zooperstars will be performing throughout the night, and the first 1,000 kids to walk through the gates will receive an Everblades Lunch Cooler presented by Wendy’s!  The McDonald’s Tailgate Party begins at 5:00 pm featuring live music, along with bounce houses and face painting! Fans can take advantage of the Saturday Family 4-Pack, which includes 4-Tickets, 4-hot dogs, 4- sodas for $56!

Ticket Information: 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 atwww.ticketmaster.com

Group discounts are also available, and can save fans up $8 off per ticket from the normal box office price. For more information on all available packages, call the Everblades office at 239-948-7825.