Everblades Shoot Past Solar Bears 4-1

Recap written by Robert Molnar, Everblades PR Intern

ESTERO, FL – Matt Willows, Brendan O'Donnell, Brant Harris and Maxime St-Cyr all scored to lead the Florida Everblades (29-11-0-1, 59 pts) to a 4-1 win over the Orlando Solar Bears (17-16-2-3, 39 pts) at Germain Arena Friday night. The Everblades now lead the regular season Wawa Sunshine Cup series 12 points to 4.

The Everblades took the games early lead, scoring the opening goal just over three-minutes into the first period. a superb pass from Kevin Montgomery to Ryan Martindale allowed the 'Blades to get a 2-on-1 break. Breaking into the zone, Martindale found Matt Willows at the right wing circle. Skating towards the slot, Willows was able to backhand a shot past Orlando goalkeeper Rob Madore for an early 1-0 lead.

The Solar Bears wasted no time answering back, tying the game at the 7:47 mark of the opening period. Using a stretch pass, Nicklas Lindberg found Brady Vail at the left wing circle. Fighting for the puck along the wall, Vail was able to fling a backhand pass into the slot area where a waiting Jack Rodewald buried the puck through the five-hole of Everblades' goaltender Anthony Peters.

Entering the second period tied, it would be the Everblades that would begin to take control of the game. Contiuing to pressure the Solar Bears in their own zone, the 'Blades would retake the lead at the 15:43 mark of period thanks to a nice team effort. Getting the puck at the blue line, Corey Syvret fired a shot that rebounded off Rob Madore and headed towards the right side of the crease. Crashing the net, Brendan O'Donnell got to the puck first and pushed the rebound past Madore and into the open net.

Up 2-1, the 'Blades would continue to up the pressure on the Solar Bears. That pressure would once again payoff at with the 'Blades scoring their third goal at the 8:04 mark of the third period. Picking up the puck behind his own net, Orlando goaltender Rob Madore would get tangled up with Kevin Lynch. Forcing a turnover, Lynch quickly flipped the puck to Brant Harris at the front door where the second year forward slapped the puck into the wide open net to give the Everblades a 3-1 lead.

The Everblades would again add to their lead at the 12:07 mark of the third period. Picking up the puck along the right wing wall, Brendan O'Donnell found a wide open Maxime St-Cyr in the slot. Taking a step forward, St-Cyr wristed a shot high past the Orlando goaltender and into the back of the net.

Anthony Peters earns the win for the 'Blades, stopping 23 of the 24 of the shots faced. Former Everblades goaltender Rob Madore takes the loss in goal for Orlando, allowing four goals on 49 shots.

The Florida Everblades return to the ice next Friday night at Germain Arena to take on division rivals the Greenville Swamp Rabbits. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Eastern time. Fans can purchase tickets at the Florida Community Bank Box Office located at Germain Arena, at any Ticketmaster outlet, or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

Fans can also catch the game broadcast on 770 AM or online by CLICKING HERE

Upcoming Home Games

Friday, January 29, vs. Greenville Swamp Rabbits, 7:30 p.m.  Kids eat free in Breakaway Sports Pub with the purchase of an adult entree!

Saturday, January 30, vs. Greenville Swamp Rabbits, 7:00 p.m.  The Fur Circus(pictured below) will be in town entertaining the fans! Bring the kids! Joins us from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. for the pregame tailgate party featuring live music, face painting, and bounce houses for the kids.

Spots Still Available for This Sunday's Golf Tournament!

Sunday, January 24,  Everblades Charity Golf Tournament!  The Florida Everblades will host a full-team appearance golf classic at the Forest Country Club in Fort Myers this Sunday.  Proceeds support "For the Kids Foundation" and its efforts in bringing joyful elements and healing through laughter to patients at Golisano Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida. Everblades players and former Major League Baseball star and Champion Derek Lowe will be participating. The community can register to play in the golf classic via a donation of $150 or attend just the dinner and auction portion for $50 by calling 239-707-8738. Click the graphic below for more information.

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.

Partial Season Ticket Packages:  Flexible partial season ticket plans are available to help 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###