Everblades Take 2-0 Series Lead with 5-1 Win

ESTERO, FL – Mitch Wahl scored twice and added an assist to the lead the Florida Everblades to a 5-1 victory over the Orlando Solar Bears in Game 2 of the East Division Semifinals Saturday at Germain Arena.  With the win, Florida now leads the best-of-seven series 2-0.

Orlando struck first on a play set up by forward Jacob Cepis.  Cepis backhanded a pass in front to Brett Findlay who took a shot that hit off the post. However, the puck bounced directly back to his stick, and Findlay immediately shoved the second chance into the net behind Florida goaltender Allen York for the game’s first tally.

The Solar Bears had an opportunity to add to their lead when Everblades defenseman Jordan Henry was assessed a five-minute major for elbowing.  Florida stymied Orlando on the ensuing power play and eventually killing off the penalty.

The successful penalty kill sparked the ‘Blades, and moments later Corey Trivino lifted a backhanded shot off a rebound high into the net past an outstretched Garret Sparks to tie the game at one.

Just 58 seconds later, Mitch Wahl led a 2-on-1 rush into the zone.  Wahl dragged the puck back at the slot to open up a clear shooting lane, and then wristed a shot past Sparks for the go-ahead tally to give the ‘Blades a 2-1 lead after one period.

Halfway though the second, Steven Whitney scored on a wrist shot from the left wing circle to extend the Florida lead to 3-1.

A little more than a minute later, Wahl struck again.  Adam Brace led a pass out of the zone to Wahl who caught the puck in stride and outpaced the defense.  Wahl snapped a shot from the left wing circle that ripped into the Orlando net to put the score at 4-1.   The goal chased Sparks from the game, and Maxime Clermont came in relief.

Late in the third, and with the net empty, Wahl returned the favor to Brace by delivering the puck all the way down the into the Solar Bears end.  Brace won the foot race into the zone to negate the icing whistle and then caught the puck off the end boards. Brace angled the puck into the open the open net to secure the 5-1 victory in Game 2.

York earned the win stopping 18 of 19 shots faced, while logging an assist on Brace’s empty net goal.  Sparks takes the loss allowing four goals on 15 shots.   Clermont stopped ten shots faced in a relief effort.

The series will now shift to the Amway Center in Orlando for Games 3 and 4 which will take place on Tuesday and Thursday respectively.  Should a Game 5 be necessary it would also take place in Orlando on Saturday (April 25). Game times for all three games are set for 7:00 p.m. Fans can tune in online at www.theislandfm.net

2015 Kelly Cup Playoffs - First Round,  Florida Everblades vs. Orlando Solar Bears

(Florida Leads 2-0) Game 1 : Friday, April 17, Orlando - 2  at Florida - 3 Game 2:  Saturday, April 18, Orlando - 1 at Florida - 5 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.