'Blades Extend Division Lead with 5-1 Win at Reading

READING, PA -- Matt Ginn made 20 saves to help lift the Florida Everblades to an impressive 5-1 win over the Reading Royals Wednesday night.  The Everblades (44-13-2-5, 95 pts) are now unbeaten in their last 12 games (11-0-0-1).

It took just 33 seconds for the Everblades to grab the game's first goal.  Mike Aviani centered a pass to Ray Kaunisto who hurled the puck into the net past Reading goaltender Connor Knapp.

Later in the period, the Everblades added to their lead during a wild scramble in front of the net.  After a few taps at the puck, Nicolas Deschamps jammed the puck underneath the leg pad of Knapp for the tally.

Florida continued to build its lead just 19 seconds into the second period. After a faceoff win in the offensive zone, Bonita Springs native Bobby Preece delivered a shot from the point that ripped past Knapp for the goal to extend the lead to 3-0.

The Everblades continued their assault early in the third when Mike Aviani shoved a rebound from a Spencer Pommells shot into the net to the put the score at 4-0.

Florida netminder Matt Ginn orchestrated another impressive outing, shutting down the Royals for more than 57 minutes of the hockey game.  However, Brett Flemming's shot from the point clipped past a screened Ginn to put the Royals on the board at 4-1.

Moments later, Matt Marquardt added an empty-net goal to secure the 5-1 win.

Ginn earns the win stopping 30 of 31 shots, while Knapp takes the loss allowing four goals on 34 shots.

GAME NOTES:  The game was Reading's 1000th regular season game in club history...Carter Sandlak was assigned to the Everblades prior to the game by the Charlotte Checkers.  Sandlak posted two assists in his Everblades debut.

The Everblades continue the road trip on Friday against division the Elmira Jackals.  Game time is set for 7:05 p.m. Fans may listen online at  theislandfm.net 

Upcoming Home Games & Promotions

Wednesday, April 1, vs. Reading, 7:30 p.m. --  Fans can enjoy $2 hot dogs, $2 drafts, $2 wines all night long in the concourse! It’s also College Night!  College Students receive $5 tickets with free parking! 

Friday, April 3, vs. Reading, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 4 vs. South Carolina, 7:00 p.m. 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.