Everblades Slip Past Solar Bears 5-4

ESTERO, FL – Mike Cornell scored with 1:59 remaining in regulation to lift the Florida Everblades to a 5-4 victory over the Orlando Solar Bears Friday night at Germain Arena.

Peter Sivak gave Orlando the early lead at 2:11 of the opening period, when he rushed into the zone on the power play and slipped a shot past Florida goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic for the goal.

The Everblades evened the score at 16:20 of the opening frame when Adam Brace charged into the zone and sniped a shot high into the corner of the net past the glove of Orlando neminder Maxime Clermont.

Florida grabbed the lead in the opening minutes of the second.  Jordan Henry’s shot from the point hit off a skate and bounced to the backside of the crease. Mitch Wahl fielded the puck and shoved it into the net behind Clermont to give the ‘Blades the 2-1 edge.

Orlando tied the game on the power play just seven minutes later.  Max Nicastro one-timed a shot from the circle that clipped past Nedeljkoviic.

Florida seized the lead back with 31 seconds remaining in the second. Jordan Henry caught the puck in the slot, and on a spin move backhanded the puck toward the net. The puck managed to get through a good amount of traffic in front and cruised past an unsuspecting Clermont for the goal.

Orlando knotted the game at three early in the third when Marshall Everson tipped and redirected a Bryce Aneloski shot into the net.

Five minutes later, Alex Lavoie picked up a turnover in the slot and snapped a shot at close range behind Clermont to give the Everblades a 4-3 advantage.

The see-saw battle continued when Brett Findlay broke in on goal on a breakaway chance.  Findlay squeezed a shot through Nedeljkovic’s five-hole to put the score at four aside.

With less than two minutes remaining in regulation, Jordan Henry delivered a shot from the point that was stopped by Clermont. However, the rebound bounced to Mike Cornell at the opposite point.  Cornell drilled a slapshot into the net to give Florida the eventual 5-4 victory.

Nedeljkovic earned the win stopping 20 of 24 shots, while Clermont takes the loss allowing five goals on 35 shots faced.

Florida’s Jordan Henry finished with 4 points (1g, 3a) a +3 rating and a fight to secure the “Gordie Howe” hat trick.   Cornell finished the game with a goal and a +4 rating, while Orlando’s Peter Sivak recorded a goal and two assists.

The two teams will close out the regular season on Saturday at Germain Arena at 7:00 p.m.  Promotional details for the game listed below.

Upcoming Home Games & Promotions

Saturday, April 11 vs. Orlando, 7:00 p.m.  – Fan Appreciation Weekend continues as fans will receive an Everblades Rally Card!  The Team Awards Ceremony will take place prior to the game!  One lucky fan will go home with a Westin bed which will be given away during the first intermission!  Following the game, we will be auctioning off the Everblades blue jerseys which were worn during the regular season. The Kelly Cup will once again be on display in the concourse! McDonald's Tailgate Party starts at 5:00 p.m. featuring live music, bounce houses and face painting for the kids!2015 Kelly Cup Playoffs - First Round,  Florida Everblades vs. Orlando Solar Bears(Best-of-7 Playoff Series)Game 1 : Friday, April 17, Orlando at Florida, Germain Arena, 7:30 p.m.Game 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.