Everblades Clinch East Division Title

ESTERO, FL – Matt Marquardt scored twice to help lead the Florida Everblades to a 3-1 victory over the South Carolina Stingrays Saturday night at Germain Arena.  The win helps the Everblades (47-15-2-5, 101 pts) clinch the East Division title, and home-ice advantage for at least the first two rounds of the 2015 Kelly Cup Playoffs.

Marquardt grabbed the first of his two goals when Ray Kaunisto hit him with a pass at the high slot.  Marquardt one-timed the puck past Stingrays goaltender Jeff Jakaitis for the game’s first goal at 5:56 of the first period.

South Carolina tied the game at one early in the second period following a turnover by the ‘Blades in their own end.  Derek DeBlois intercepted the puck at the left wing circle and hurled a shot that was tipped and redirected into the net by Rob Ricci.

Florida regained the lead on Marquardt’s second of the game at 15:36 of the middle frame.  Marquardt led a 2-on-1 into the zone, but called his own number releasing a wrister from the right wing circle that clipped past Jakaitis for the tally.

The Everblades held the Stingrays to just 15 shots on net in the game, and continued to shutdown the Rays in the third.

Florida added an insurance goal with eight minutes remaining, when Marquardt set up Kaunisto in front for a backhanded chance that was buried into the net to secure the 3-1 win.

Goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic earned his first pro win stopping 14 of 15 shots, while Jakaitis takes the loss allowing three goals on 24 chances.

Florida will now face the Solar Bears on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. at the Amway Center in Orlando.  The two teams will also meet at Germain Arena on Friday (April 10) and Saturday (April 11) to close ut the regular season

The Everblades will host Game 1 & 2 of the first round of the Kelly Cup Playoffs on Friday April 17 and Saturday, April 18.   The opponent will be announced at a later date.  Tickets for these two games are currently on sale at www.ticketmaster.com or at the Century Link Prism Box Office located at Germain Arena.

Upcoming Home Games & Promotions

Friday, April 10 vs. Orlando, 7:30 p.m.  – Fan Appreciation Weekend Opens up!Saturday, April 11 vs. Orlando, 7:00 p.m.  – Rally Card Giveaway, Team Awards CeremonyHearts & 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.

Voucher 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.