Solar Bears Outshine Everblades

ESTERO, FL – Maxime Clermont made 32 saves to lead the Orlando Solar Bears to a 5-2 victory over the Florida Everblades Friday night at Germain Arena.

In the final minute of the first, a former Everblade broke up a scoreless tie.   Johnny McInnis ripped a one-timer behind goaltender Andy Iles from the left side of the crease to give Orlando a 1-0 lead.

Halfway though the second, Orlando made it to 2-0 on a shorthanded goal by Patrick Watling. Orlando flipped a puck high into the zone that landed directly in front of Watling in the slot.   Watling broke in on goal and wristed the puck over the shoulder of Iles for the marker.

The Solar Bears continued to shine late in the middle frame, when Brady Vail picked up a loose puck at the left wing circle and snapped a shot past the blocker of Iles to give Orlando a 3-0 edge.

Florida leaned on its captain for that first big spark.  Jordan Henry returned to the lineup for the first time since December 6, and wasted little time getting involved.   Henry carried the puck into the zone, broke in toward the Orlando net on the left wing side.  Henry appeared to be carrying the puck behind the net, which forced Orlando net minder Maxime Clermont to lean away from the post.  At the last second, Henry slipped the puck between the post and the Clermont’s skate for the tally.  Henry’s first of the season pulled Florida within two.

The ‘Blades started the third period on the power play, but was unable to convert.  Just seconds after the power play concluded, Orlando’s Denver Manderson scored a goal on a breakaway to put the score at 4-1.

Nearly six minutes later, the Everblades surrendered another breakaway chance, and Jacob Cepis converted for his 11th goal of the season to extend the lead to 5-1.

Florida’s Matt Marquardt added a goal late in the game, but it would not be enough as the Solar Bears locked in the 5-2 in.

Clermont earns the win stopping 32 of 34 shots, while Iles takes the loss allowing five goals on 27 shots faced in the contest.

The two teams will meet again on Saturday at Germain Arena beginning at 7:00 p.m.

GAME NOTES:  Forward Cameron Burt was loaned to the Rochester Americans of the American Hockey League…. Newcomers Jesse Graham and Kevin Czuczman made their ECHL and Everblades debuts on Friday.  Graham logged an assist in the game…Jordan Henry and Jeff Costello were removed from the 21-day IR, ,while forward Andrew Huff was added to the 21-Day IR.

Internet Radio:  The IslandFM.net  Internet Television: ECHLTV, courtesy of Neulion 

Upcoming Home Games & Promotions

Saturday, February 21, vs. Orlando, 7:00 p.m.   Scout Night!  It is also Pucks & night, which is a fundraiser for the Gulf Coast Humane Society!  $10 off each ticket sold through the fundraiser will be donated to the animals at the Gulf Coast Humane Society. Fundraising tickets may be purchased by CLICKING HERE

McDonald's Tailgate starts at 5:00 p.m. featuring live music, bounce houses and more!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.