Everblades Swamped by Stingrays Wednesday Night

Recap Written by Robert Molnar

ESTERO, FL –Stephan Vigier scored twice while Mark Dekanich stopped 24-shots to lead the South Carolina Stingrays (31-17-4-2, 68 pts) to a 6-1 victory over the Florida Everblades (34-16-0-2, 70 pts) Wednesday night at Germain Arena.

The Stingrays opened the scoring early into the game, scoring their first goal at just 54-seconds of the first period. Winning a face off in the Everblades zone, the puck was moved back to Wade Epp at the blue line. Firing a shot, the puck took a deflection off the stick of Brett Cameron and past Everblades' goaltender Anthony Peters.

South Carolina added to their lead midway through the first period, taking advantage of the strength of their power play unit. Needing only he first 12-seconds of their power play opportunity, the Stingrays won the offensive zone face off. Moving the puck, Stephan Vigier fired a shot that was initially stopped by Anthony Peters. The rebound however fell right to stick of the open Joe Devin who quickly buried his shot into the back of the net.

The Stingrays again added to their lead late in the first period, scoring their second straight power play goal with 3.6-seconds remaining in the first period. A blocked shot out in front of the net allowed Anthony Peters to lose track of the puck. That lost sight came back to haunt the 'Blades as the puck was quickly picked up by Stephan Vigier who's turnaround shot beat Peters low on the blocker side.

The Stingrays took advantage of some Everblades turnovers, icing the game in the third period thanks too three goals from David Pacan, Caleb Herbert and Stephan Vigier to give the Stingrays a dominating 6-1 victory.

Mark Dekanich was strong in goal for the Stingrays, stopping 24 of the 25-shots he faced. Anthony Peters takes the loss for the Everblades, allowing four goals on 17-shots. Rasmus Tirronen also allowed two goals on 10-shots.

The Florida Everblades host their annual Pink in the Rink game this Saturday night when they will once again take on the South Carolina Stingrays in another extremely important divisional matchup. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Eastern time.

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

Upcoming Everblades Home Games

Saturday, February 27, vs. South Carolina, 7:00 p.m.  Pink in the Rink  presented by Radiology Regional Center. The Everblades will wear special jerseys which will be auctioned off following the game to benefit local cancer charities!  Pregame tailgate featuring live music, bounces houses and face painting for the kids. Radiology Regional's Mobile Mammogram will be on hand providing screenings.Sunday, February 28, vs. South Carolina, 5:00 p.m.The first 100 kids to walk through the gates will receive a FREE ticket to Disney's Frozen performance at Germain Arena in March and a Disney coloring book!

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 at www.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###