Mike Aviani Returns for 2015-16

ESTERO, FL – The Florida Everblades announced Wednesday that the team has agreed to terms with forward Mike Aviani for the 2015-16 season.

Aviani, 22, returns to Southwest Florida after totaling 25 points (10g, 15a) along with 65 penalty minutes in 54 games during his rookie campaign with the Everblades last season. The 5-11, 195-pound center also logged two points (1g, 1a) in six playoff appearances with Florida last spring.  Aviani started the 2014-15 season appearing in two games with the Charlotte Checkers of the American Hockey League.

“Mike was an outstanding player for us last year, and was a big part of our team,” said Everblades Head Coach Greg Poss. “A player coming off such a successful rookie campaign, will often explode in his second season, and we expect him to be productive for us and continue to be a great teammate.”

Aviani amassed 205 points during his five seasons with the Spokane Chiefs of the Western Hockey League (WHL) from 2009-2014. Aviani recorded a career best 81 points (38g, 43a) campaign in 2013-14. The North Vancouver native helped lead the Chiefs to the WHL playoffs in four of five seasons.

Aviani becomes the 13th player to agree to terms with the Everblades for the 2015-16 season.---Opening Weekend Presented by The Passion Foundation Set for Oct. 16 & 17!The Everblades open the 2015-16 season at Germain Arena on Friday, October 16 against the Atlanta Gladiators! The two teams will also meet on Saturday, October 17.

The opening weekend games will be part of a “Black Out” promotion and the Everblades will be wearing special black jerseys which will be auctioned off following the October 17 game. The proceeds of the auction will benefit The Passion Foundation.

To view the full 2015-16 regular season schedule CLICK HERE

The Everblades are the proud ECHL affiliateof the NHL's Carolina Hurricanes.###