Stellar Goaltending Stifles Everblades in 3-1 Loss

Recap Written by Robert Molnar

ORLANDO, FL – Ryan Massa stopped 32 shots to lead the Orlando Solar Bears (12-12-2-3, 29 pts) to a 3-1 victory over the Florida Everblades (22-11-0-0, 44 pts) at the Amway Center Saturday night. Even with the loss, the Everblades still retain the lead in the Wawa Sunshine Cup eight points to four.

The Solar Bears did not need long to take the lead in the game, scoring their first of the night just over three and a half minutes into the opening period. Receiving the puck, Jack Rodewald lowered his shoulder and forced his way towards the front of the Everblades net. His first shot stopped by Anthony Peters, Rodewald picked up his own rebound and quickly flipped the puck into the open net.

Both the Everblades and the Solar Bears failed to score in the second period, however it was not for a lack of trying. Both teams had quality scoring chances throughout the middle frame be denied by some great goaltending.

Orlando needed only the first 1:21 of the third period to add to their lead. Getting the puck in the attacking zone, Denver Maderson took a tough angle shot that somehow managed to find a crevice between Anthony Peters and the post.

Down 2-0, the Everblades were forced into a highly offensive push. That push finally paid off midway through the third period. Skating into the circle, Justin Agosta fired a simple shot on goal that somehow managed to evade Orlando goalkeeper Ryan Massa and find its way into the back of the net.

With just over six minutes remaining in the game, the Everblades continued to up the pressure on the Solar Bears. Pulling the goaltender in favor of the extra attacker, the ‘Blades would make one final push in an attempt to tie the game.

Despite the ‘Blades peppering Orlando goaltender Ryan Massa with some superb shots, the Everblades could not tie the game as Orlando’s Eric Faille scored an empty net goal with 33-seconds remaining in the game.

Ryan Massa earns the win in goal for the Solar Bears, stopping 32 of the 33 shots he faced. Anthony Peters takes the loss despite a quality game in goal for the Everblades, allowing two goals on 32 shots.

The Florida Everblades will again take on the Orlando Solar Bears at the Amway Center tomorrow night in the seventh game of the Wawa Sunshine Cup. Puck drop is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. Eastern time. Fans can catch the game broadcast on 770 AM or online by CLICKING HERE

Upcoming Homes GamesWednesday, January 13 vs. Brampton Beast, 7:30 p.m. – $2 Drafts, $2 Wines, & $2 Hot Dogs all night long!  College Night! College students receive $5 tickets with free parking when they present their college ID at Germain Arena.Friday, January 15 vs. Brampton Beast, 7:30 p.m. – "Paint the Ice Night" Fans will have the opportunity to Paint the Ice following the game! ....Kids eat free in Breakaway Sports Pub with purchase on an adult entree!Saturday, January 16 vs. Brampton Beast, 7:00 p.m. – Watch the 'Blades battle Brampton on the fan painted ice surface!  Beginning at 5:00 p.m. we will have the tailgate party featuring live music along with bounce houses and face painting for the kids!

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:  Partial season ticket plans are available 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###