Everblades Power Past Solar Bears 5-3

ORLANDO, FL – The Florida Everblades used three power play goals to defeat the Orlando Solar Bears 5-3 Saturday night at the Amway Center.

It took just 24 seconds for the Everblades to grab the game’s first goal.  Artem Sergeev skated the puck down the wing, and fired a shot from the bottom of the circle which banked off the skate of Orlando goaltender Kent Patterson and into the net for the goal.

The Everblades (2-1-0-1, 5pts) added to their lead at 5:22, converting on their first power play opportunity.  Alex Lavoie steered a cross-ice pass to Matt Mangene who rushed up from the point. Mangene directed the puck behind Patterson for the goal to put the ‘Blades on top by two.

Orlando (3-1-0-0, 6pts) pulled within one at 7:35 of the second period, on a goal by Mike Ulrich, who took a turnover in front and slipped the puck past ‘Blades netminder Daniel Altshuller.

Mangene netted his second goal of the game on the power play at 13:03 of the middle frame, Mangene received a pass in the slot and snapped the puck just under the crossbar and into the net.

A minute later, Jason Wilson made it 4-1, on a shorthanded goal into the zone. Wilson fired off a shot from the right wing circle which clipped off the pad of Patterson and into the net.  The goal signaled the end of Patterson’s night, and Garrett Sparks came into the game in a relief effort.

The ‘Blades tacked on another power play marker at 17:06 of the second period.  After two quick stops by Sparks in the crease, the puck bounced to Mike Cornell in the slot.  Cornell hurled the puck into the open net past an outstretched Sparks for the goal to give Florida a 5-1 lead after 40 minutes of play.

The Solar Bears attempted to rally back in the third, receiving a goal from Greg Miller and a shorthanded goal by Eric Baier, but it would not be enough as the Everblades held on for the 5-3 win, and handing Orlando its first loss of the season.

Rookie Daniel Altshuller improved to 2-0 on the season stopping 21 of 24 shots, while Kent Patterson takes the loss allowing four goals on 30 shots faced.  Garrett Sparks allowed one goal on 13 shots in a relief effort.

The two teams will meet again on Sunday at the Amway Center beginning at 3:00 p.m.

GAME NOTES:  Prior to the game, forwards Danick Gauthier and Jeff Costello were recalled by the Syracuse Crunch of the American Hockey League…Jeff Silengo, Patrick McEachen both made their professional debuts on Saturday.

Broadcast Information: Fans can listen to the game online at TheIslandFM,net   or watch the game online at ECHL.TV

Upcoming Home Games & Promotions

Saturday, November 1, 7:00 p.m. vs. Orlando Solar Bears -- Military & Veteran's Night presented by The National Coalition for Patriots.  The Everblades will wear special military themed jerseys in which fans will have the opportunity to purchase in a postgame auction. The proceeds of the auction will benefit the National Coalition for Patriots. Veterans and military personnel will be honored throughout the night.

Ticket Information

Game Tickets: Everblades tickets may be purchased at the Century Link Box Office located at Germain Arena, or at any Ticketmaster outlet, or online atwww.ticketmaster.com

Discounted Group Tickets: Bring your group of 10 or more to a game at a discounted price, and also receive an Everblades souvenir! Group tickets are available for all home games. For more information on group tickets, call 239-948-7825.

2014-15 Ticket Packages are currently on sale! Full season and 12-game, and 24-game options are also available! All packages save you money from the box office price, and come with many great benefits.  For more information call  239-948-7825, or stop by the Everblades Main Office located at Germain Arena, Monday—Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.