Estero, FL – As the 2013-14 regular season approaches, the Florida Everblades will undertake their 2013 preseason schedule this weekend as they host the Orlando Solar Bears Friday and Saturday at Germain Arena.

The preseason contests will put a cap on the Blades’ training camp, which opened on October 3. Everblades head coach Greg Poss says that thanks to the American Hockey League schedule starting last weekend, this year’s training camp has been particularly gainful for the team.

“Camp has been very productive, fun and competitive with a more complete roster—just way better,” explained Poss, who is set to begin his fourth campaign behind the Blades’ bench. “Naturally, every team in our league has that advantage this year, but I think that will benefit the overall quality of hockey to start the season.”

Training camp opened with 29 players on the roster—with more players arriving from the Charlotte Checkers and Syracuse Crunch in the interim—so the coaching staff will be making final evaluations Friday and Saturday as the regular season roster takes shape.

“We’ll be looking to see how guys can execute their game inside our system,” detailed Poss. “We’ve seen them in practice and in scrimmages, and everyone we’ve had in camp is a really good player—we know that; now we just need to see if they can do it in a game situation to see where they fit into our team or could fit in down the line if they go to a different league and we need players later in the season.”

Last season, the Blades captured the season series from the Solar Bears with a record of 9-4-3 in 16 contests.

Friday’s game is scheduled for 7:30pm with Saturday’s rematch to follow at 7:00pm at Germain Arena. Tickets for both intrastate bouts are on sale now at the Capital Bank Box Office.

The Everblades open the 2013-14 campaign at Germain Arena on Friday, October 18, with Black Out Night against the Orlando Solar Bears.  Individual game tickets are now on sale at the Capital Bank Box Office at Germain Arena, Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM and Saturdays 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

2013-14 Season Ticket Package Information

Ticket packages for the 2013-14 season are currently on sale—and going fast!  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 the Tampa Bay Lightning and Carolina Hurricanes

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