Everblades Open Week with 4-1 Win Over Stingrays

ESTERO, FL – Adam Brace and Matt Marquardt each registered a goal and an assist, while Andy Iles made 27 saves as the Florida Everblades defeated the South Carolina Stingrays 4-1 at Germain Arena Wednesday night.

The Stingrays opened the scoring at 7:53 of the opening period when Andrew Rowe centered a feed to the top of the crease to rookie Braden Pimm. Pimm immediately lifted the puck over the shoulder of Florida goaltender Andy Iles for the tally.

The Everblades evened the score at 1-1 at the 16:20 mark when Evan Bloodoff picked up the puck off a South Carolina turnover in the neutral zone.  Bloodoff carried the puck into the zone and fired a shot off the pads of goaltender Adam Morrison.  The rebound bounced to Mike Aviani who slipped a shot into the net past Morrison’s skate for the tying goal.

Florida grabbed the lead on the only goal scored in the second period. Matt Marquardt flipped a shot from the slot to the net which was slowed by Morrison, but he did not have control of the puck. Adam Brace crashed the net and poked the loose puck into the net for the go-ahead goal.  Brace’s team best 17th of the season was scored at 14:28 of the period.

South Carolina came out on the attack early in the third period, firing a barrage of shots at Iles who was able to turn aside all 15 shots faced in the period.

The Everblades were able to build on their lead when Matt Marquardt carried the puck down the wing and angled around the defender to the low circle.  Marquardt then flicked a shot past Morrison to extend the Florida lead to 3-1 at 11:40 of the period.

Just 33 seconds later, it was 4-1 when Mitch Wahl steered the puck on a pass to right wing circle which was hammered into the net by Mike Little to secure the 4-1 victory.

Iles earns the win stopping 27 of 28 shots faced, and improves to 3-0 on the season against South Carolina.  Morrison was sharp throughout the game, but takes the loss allowing four goals on 30 shots.

The Everblades (27-7-1-3, 58 pts) will remain at home on Friday and Saturday to tangle with the Greenville Road Warriors (25-14-1-2, 53 pts).  The matchup features the top two teams in the East Division going head-to-head.  Friday is Paint the Ice Night (details listed below).Upcoming Home Games & Promotions.Friday, January 30 vs. Greenville, 7:30 p.m. Paint the Ice Night!  Fans will have the opportunity to paint the ice following Friday's game (pictured below). The Everblades will play on the fan-painted ice for Saturday's game with Greenville! Come join the fun for both nights!Saturday, January 31 vs. Greenville, 7:00 p.m.  Come join the fun as the Everblades play on the fan-painted ice!  The McDonald's Tailgate Party starts at 5:00 p.m. featuring live music, bounced houses and a rock wall to climb.  Bring the kids!Hearts & Hockey Ticket Packs are now on sale for just $50!*T-Shirt*Autographed Puck*4-Endzone Ticket Vouchers which can be redeemed for any ganme this season.

To order, call 239-948-7825, or stop by the Everblades main office at Germain Arena. Hearts & Hockey Packs are also available on game nights at the Everblades information table located in the concourse.

Ticket InformationGame 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.comDiscounted 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 239-948-7825.12 & 24 Game Ticket Packages are currently on sale!  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.