'Blades Bolster Roster w/ Addition of Malka & Carzo

ESTERO, FL – Florida Everblades President and General Manager Craig Brush along with Head Coach Greg Poss announced Tuesday that the team has agreed to terms with defenseman Olivier Dame-Malka and forward Rocco Carzo for the 2013-14 season.   

Malka, 25, returns to the Everblades after posting 19 points (7g, 12a) and 135 penalty minutes in 52 games split between Florida (22 games), Bakersfield, and Toledo last season.  Malka was acquired by the ‘Blades from Toledo on January 28 of this year.

The 5-10, 192-pound blue liner registered 18 points (7g, 11a) in 36 games played with the Wheeling Nailers in 2011-12. During the same season, Malka posted three points (1g, 2a) in 23 appearances with the Hamilton Bulldogs of the American Hockey League.

“Olivier is a strong two-way defenseman that can hit, and possesses a big shot,” said Everblades Head Coach Greg Poss. “When he corrects his on-ice discipline, he will be an impact player for our team.” 

Malka amassed 55 points (16g, 39a) and 116 penalty minutes in 64 games played with the Lewiston MAINEiacs of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League during the 2010-11 season.  Additionally, Malka totaled 19 points (9g, 10a) in 15 playoff appearances with Lewiston.

The Montreal, Quebec native also has had stints with the QMJHL’s Acadie-Bathurst Titan and the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles from 2007-2010.

Carzo, 23, rejoins the Everblades after logging three points (2g, 1a) in four appearances with Florida this past spring. The 6-1, 203-pound forward scored two shorthanded goals during the same five-minute penalty kill in a March 23 game against Cincinnati.   Carzo finished the game with three points. 

“Rocco impressed us with his speed, defensive awareness, and offensive ability,” said Poss.  “We are happy to have him back for the upcoming season.”

Prior to joining the ‘Blades, Carzo posted a career best 19 points (9g, 10a) in 34 games played during his senior season at University of Massachusetts-Amherst. Carzo totaled 48 points (18g, 30a) in his four-year collegiate career with the Minutemen.

The Media, Pennsylvania native also played two seasons with the USHL’s Des Moines Buccaneers totaling 51 points from 2007-2009.

2013-14 Season Ticket Package InformationTicket packages for the 2013-14 season are currently on sale!  Full season packages begin at $380, while 10 and 20 game packages start as low as $160.    Sign-up for a new season ticket package today, and receive a $20 gift card per seat to Outback Steakhouse!

For more information call 239-948-7825, or stop by the Everblades main office located at Germain Arena.  Office hours are Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Everblades are the proud ECHL affiliate of theTampa Bay Lightning and Carolina Hurricanes

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