South Carolina Stings 'Blades for 12th Straight Win

ESTERO, FL – Brandon Wong scored a goal and added two assists to help lift the South Carolina Stingrays to a 5-3 victory over the Florida Everblades Friday night at Germain Arena. The win was the 12th straight for the Stingrays.

The Stingrays scored quickly into the contest when Brandon Wong led a 3-on-2 rush into the zone on the right wing side.   Wong called his own number and delivered a shot that beat Florida goaltender Daniel Altshuller on the shortside post for the early 1-0 lead at 2:43 of the first.

The Everblades tied the game halfway through the first after Mike Little picked up a South Carolina turnover in the neutral zone and rushed into the zone on the right wing.   Little delivered a shot from the circle that was slowed by Jakaitis, but the puck landed in the crease. The puck slowly rolled across the goaline before the South Carolina netminder could shuffle it away.

The Stingrays grabbed the lead back just 58 second into the second period after Andrew Rowe caused a turnover deep in the Everblades end. The puck was gathered by Derek Dublois who then carried it to the top of the crease and swung the puck around a diving Altshuller for the goal.

The Stingrays added to their lead on the power play after a Frankei Simonelli slapshot from the point hit the back of the net to extend the South Carolina lead to 3-1 after two periods.

Former Everblades Tim Spencer made it 4-1 just 25 seconds into the third period after chopping at a loose puck in front of the Florida net. Following the tally, the Stingrays shutdown the Everblades for a majority of the third period

However, that all changed late in the period when the Everblades were awarded a power play with three and a half minutes remaining in regulation.   Florida pulled the goaltender to allow for a 6-on-4 man advantage.  The gamble paid off when Jordan Henry recorded his third goal in the last four games at 17:36 to put the score at 4-2.

Just 11 seconds later, the Everblades struck again when Adam Brace hurled a shot toward the net form the right wing boards.  The puck clipped off the stick Jakaitis and skipped into the net for the goal to pull the ‘Blades within one.

Florida once again pulled the goaltender to allow for the extra attacker with a minute remaining, but the South Carolina’s Sean Dolan would hustle for an empty-net goal to seal the 5-3 victory over the Stingrays.

Jakaitis earned the win stopping 19 of 22 shots, while Altshuller takes the loss allowing four goals on 27 shots faced  The Everblades suffer their first regulation loss of the season to the Stingrays.

The two teams will meet again tomorrow at 7:00 p.m. at Germain Arena (details below) 

Upcoming Home Games & Promotions

Pink In the Rink Weekend, presented by Radiology Regional continues on Saturday..The Everblades will once again wear specially designed pink jerseys for breast cancer awareness.  The jerseys will be auctioned off following Saturday's game with the proceeds benefiting local cancer charities.  Fans are encouraged to wear pink this weekend.

Saturday, February 28 vs. South Carolina, 7:00 p.m. --  McDonald's Tailgate Party starts at 5:00 p.m. featuring live music, bounce houses, and face painting for the kids!

Wednesday, March 4, vs. Cincinnati, 7:30 p.m. --  $2 drafts, $2 wines, $2 hot dogs all night long in the concourse! It’s also College Night!  College Students can purchase $5 tickets w/ free parking with college I.D.

Hearts & Hockey Ticket Packs are still available 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.