Sparks Shines as Solar Bears Defeat 'Blades 4-1

Game Recap by Bryce Wright

ESTERO, FL- Garret Sparks stopped 26 out of 27 shots on net to lead the Orlando Solar Bears to a 4-1 victory over the Florida Everblades Wednesday night at Germain Arena. The Florida Everblades now lead the Wawa Sunshine Cup Series 12 points to six over the Solar Bears.

The Everblades came out early and scored the opening goal just three minutes into the opening period.

3:02 into the first period Brant Harris nudged the puck into the back of the net off a rebound from a Matt Willows shot.  Nemec blasted a shot from in front of the net that was caught by Willows at the right side of the crease. Willows shoved a shot at Garret Sparks; who was able to block the puck, but was not able to stop the rebound as it leaked behind him allowing Harris to push it in the net for the 1-0 lead.

The Everblades and Solar Bears traded scoring opportunities back and forth in the second period however neither team was able to find the back of the net heading into the third.

The Everblades threw several quality scoring chances at Sparks, but the Orlando netminder turned them all aside to keep the Solar Bears in the game.

Just past the halfway point of the third period Zach Bell fired a shot from the right wing circle past Anthony Peters’ outstretched leg tying the game up 1-1.

21 Seconds later, Jack Rodewald, off of an Everblades turnover directly in front, riffled a shot from the left wing circle past Peters giving the Solar Bears the lead 2-1 with nine minutes left in the final period of play.

With one minute remaining in the period, the Everblades pulled Peters from net giving the Blades the extra attacker however they could not capitalize and the solar bears scored two empty net goals.

One came at the 19:13 mark when Rodewald backhanded on in from inside the Everblades offensive zone giving the Solar Bears the 3-1 lead.

The other empty net goal came from Eric Faille from cross ice putting the Everblades away and giving the Solar Bears the 4-1 lead.

Garret Sparks takes home the victory stopping 26 out of 27 shots, while Anthony Peters takes the loss allowing two goals on 34 shots on net.

To WATCH the Game Highlights  CLICK HERE

The Everblades are back at it Friday Feb 12 at Germian Arena as they take on the Elmira Jackals. Game time is set at 7:30p.m.

Upcoming Home Games

Friday, February 12, vs. Elmira, 7:30 p.m.  Kids eat free in the Breakaway Sports Pub with the purchase of an adult entree!

Saturday, February 13, vs. Elmira, 7:00 p.m.    Laces of Love - Bring a new pair of shoes to the game to donate to this great cause!  To purchase special fundraising tickets to the game benefiting Lace of Love, please contact Alex Reed with the Everblades at 239-948-7825, ext. 1024.

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###