By Bryce Wright, Everblades Media Relations Assistant

ESTERO, FL- Connor Knapp stopped 29 of 30 shots faced to help lead the Reading Royals to a 2-1 victory over the Florida Everblades in front of an announced crowd of 6,812 at Germain Arena Saturday night in the Annual IBERIABANK Teddy Bear Toss Game.

Just 1:26 into the first, Yannick Tifu found an open net from the right side of the crease after picking up the rebound from a Pavel Padakin shot to give Reading the 1-0 lead.

Six minutes later, Mike Pereira raced past two 'Blades defenders and fired a puck that went in and out of the glove of Daniel Altshuller and found its way into the back of the net to give the Royals a 2-0 lead.

Late in the second period, Matt Marquardt blasted a one-timed shot past Connor Knapp to ignite the teddy bear toss celebration which brought forth nearly 8,000 teddy bears and stuffed animals onto the ice.  Marquardt’s fourth goal this week, cut the Reading lead to one heading into the third period.

After an exciting 19 minutes of play in the third period by both the Everblades and Royals, the Blades pulled Altshuller from net to allow for the extra attacker.

For a minute, the Everblades created quality scoring chances, but fell just short as the Royals stingy defense kept the Blades out of the net for the entire third period.

Knapp takes home the victory stopping 29 of the 30 shots faced, while Altshuller takes the loss allowing two goals on 30 shots faced.

VIDEO:  To view game highlights and the Teddy Bear Toss Celebration CLICK HERE 

The Everblades are back at Germain Arena Wednesday night Dec. 16 as they take on the Orlando Solar Bears. Game time is set at 7:30 p.m.Upcoming Home GamesWednesday, December 16 vs. Orlando, 7:30 p.m. (Wawa Sunshine Cup Series Game) Fans can enjoy $2 hot dogs, $2 draft beers, $2 wines all night long!   Wednesday is also College Night! College students receive a $5 ticket with FREE parking when they present their college ID at Germain Arena. Santa will also be on hand on Wednesday!

Ticket Information

Game Tickets: Everblades tickets may be purchased at the Florida Community Bank 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.

Full and Partial Season Ticket Packages: We off full and partial season ticket plans that will save your money and fit your budget and schedule. . For more information, call 239-948-7825, or stop by the team's main office located at Germain Arena from Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Fans may also stop by our sales tables located in the concourse at Everblades games. .

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