Deschamps Scores Twice as 'Blades Take Game 1

ESTERO, FL – Nicholas Deschamps scored twice to help pace the Everblades to 3-2 victory over the Orlando Solar Bears in Game 1 of the East Division Semifinals Friday night at Germain Arena. Florida takes a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.

Nicholas Deschamps gave the Everblades the early 1-0 advantage at 3:11 of the opening frame.  Deschamps raced to a bouncing puck in the slot, and rolled a shot towards the net. The puck hit off the arm of Orlando goaltender Garret Sparks and clipped into the net for the tally.

However, the lead didn’t last long, as just 17 seconds later Jacob Cepis caught a long lead pass off the boards in stride and slipped in behind the Florida defense. Cepis directed a shot that beat Everblades goaltender Allen York high on the glove side to even the score at 1-1.

Cepis scored again just two minutes later when he fielded a pass from Brett Findlay in the slot and wristed a shot past York’s blocker to lift the Solar Bears to a 2-1 lead after the first period.

The Everblades seized control of the game in second period by grabbing two goals.  The first marker came when Corey Trivino dropped a pass at the left wing circle to Steven Whitney. Whitney took four strides and flexed a shot low on the ice past Sparks to tie the game at two.

Two and a half minutes later, the ‘Blades reclaimed the lead on the power play.  Jordan Henry one-timed a shot at the left wing circle that was tipped and redirected into the net by Deschamps into the Orlando net to put Florida on top 3-2 at 15:57 of the middle frame.

Florida held off a relentless attack by the Solar Bears in the third period, but York and company were able to hang on for the tight one-goal victory.

York earns the win allowing two goals on 27 shots, while Sparks takes the loss allowing three goals on 33 shots faced.

The two teams will meet again on Saturday for Game 2 at Germain Arena beginning at 7:00 p.m.

2015 Kelly Cup Playoffs - First Round,  Florida Everblades vs. Orlando Solar BearsFlorida leads Series 1-0   (Best-of-7 Playoff Series)Game 1 : Friday, April 17, Orlando - 2 at Florida - 3Game 2:  Saturday, April 18, Orlando at Florida, Germain Arena, 7:00 p.m.Game 3:  Tuesday, April 21, Florida at Orlando, Amway Center, 7:00 p.m.Game 4:  Thursday, April 23, Florida at Orlando, Amway Center, 7:00 p.m.Game 5:  Saturday, April 25, Florida at Orlando, Amway Center, 7:00 p.m. **Game 6:  Monday, April 27, Orlando at Florida, Germain Arena, 7:30 p.m. **Game 7:  Wednesday, April 29, Orlando at Florida, Germain Arena, 7:30 p.m. **** If Necessary 

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.

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.

Bus Trip to Orlando for Game 4 on Thursday, April 23!Cost is $60 which includes game ticket and round-trip transportation to Orlando! Bus will depart from Germain Arena approximately 2:00 p.m. on day of game (April 23) To reserve your spot, or for more information please call 239-948-7825.