ESTERO, FL – Florida Everblades President and General Manager Craig Brush along with Head Coach Greg Poss announced Thursday that defenseman Steve Kaunisto (pictured left) has been acquired from the Rapid City Rush in exchange for future considerations.  In addition, the Everblades have agreed to terms with forwardSteven Whitney (pictured right).

Kaunisto, 28, heads to Florida having registered five assists in 19 games played with Rapid City this season.  Last season, the 6-0, 200-pound blueliner recorded a career best 45 points (8g, 37a) in 66 appearances with the Denver Cutthroats of the Central Hockey League, while adding 12 assists in 15 playoff games.

The Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan native has totaled 116 points in 255 career games in stints in the ECHL, Central Hockey League, and SPHL.   Kaunisto played four seasons at Lake Superior State University from 2006-2010.

Whitney, 23, joins the Everblades after posting 23 points (10g, 13a) in 65 games played last season with the Norfolk Admirals of the American Hockey League.

The 5-7, 162-pound forward was a standout player at Boston College and was a member of the 2010 and 2012 National Championship teams.  The Reading, Massachusetts native totaled 128 points during his four-year collegiate career with the Golden Eagles, which includes a career best 45 points and 26 goals during his senior season in 2012-2013.

The Everblades battle the Kalamazoo Wings this Friday and Saturday at Germain Arena. Details listed below.

Upcoming Home Games & Promotions

Friday, February 13, vs. Kalamazoo, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, February 14, vs. Kalamazoo, 7:00 p.m.  “Laces of Love” shoe drive.  Fans may donate new children’s sneakers/shoes when they arrive at the game.  The shoes will be redeemed for a red stress ball which can be thrown onto the ice when the Everblades score their first goal!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 game 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 Information

Game Tickets: Everblades tickets may be purchased at the Century Link Prism 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.

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.