Everblades Capture Wawa Sunshine Cup; Defeat Orlando 3-1

ORLANDO, FL – Brendan O’Donnell, Brant Harris and Kevin Lynch each scored a goal to lead the Florida Everblades (44-23-0-2, 90 pts) to a 3-1 victory over the Orlando Solar Bears (32-28-4-5, 73 pts) Tuesday night at the Amway Center. With the victory, the Florida Everblades clinched the inaugural Wawa Sunshine Cup and now lead the season series 16 points to six.The Wawa Sunshine Cup is awarded to the winner of the season series between the Everblades and the Solar Bears.

Coming out firing, both the Everblades and Solar Bears looked to take the early lead. However, some missed chances as well as some great saves from both ‘Blades goaltender Anthony Peters and Orlando’s Ryan Massa kept both teams out of the net throughout the course of the first period.

Taking advantage of an extra attacker off of a delayed penalty, Orlando took the lead just 3:17 into the second period. Upping the offensive pressure thanks to the extra man, Brady Vail found Brett Findlay alone with a rink wide feed. Getting the puck at the low circle, Findlay fired a quick shot towards the short side that managed to beat a diving Anthony Peters.

Just a couple of minutes later, the ‘Blades equalized the score thanks to Brendan O’Donnell, who has now scored a goal in his last six straight games. Picking up the puck along the backside dasher, O’Donnell circled over to the right wing circle. Banking the puck off of the pad of Ryan Massa, O’Donnell’s shot found its way across the goal line to tie the game.

Entering the third period tied, both teams looked to find a go-ahead goal. Just past the halfway mark of the final frame, the Everblades were the first to take advantage of their opportunities and take the 2-1 lead. Picking up the puck in the Orlando trapezoid, Brant Harris wrapped around the Solar Bears’ net and fired his shot off of the body of Ryan Massa and into the back of the net.

Trailing by a single goal, Orlando threw everything including the kitchen sink at the Everblades. However, nothing was going to get by Anthony Peters. The Everblades netminder made many key saves including a diving save across the crease with just over two minutes remaining in the game to preserve the ‘Blades lead.

Though Orlando pulled the goaltender in favor of the extra attacker late in the game, Anthony Peters could not be beaten. Turning the puck over in the ‘Blades zone, Kevin Lynch picked up the puck and hurled it into the empty net to give the Everblades the 3-1 victory.

Anthony Peters was tremendous all game long for the Everblades, earning the win after stopping 21 of the 22-shots he faced. Ryan Massa was also solid in goal for Orlando, but suffers the loss after allowing two goals on 34-shots.

The Florida Everblades again take on the Orlando Solar Bears this Thursday night at the Amway Center in the Blades’ final road game of the season. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Eastern time. Fans can catch the game broadcast on 770 AM or online byCLICKING HERE

Upcoming Home Games & Promotions

Friday, April 8 vs. Orlando, 7:30 p.m.Fan Appreciation Weekend begins!  Everyone will receive a FREE Everblades team photo courtesy of FGCU & Direct Impressions....The first 200 fans will receive a FREE ticket to Naples Zoo! There will be prizes and giveaways all night long!Saturday, April 9 vs. Orlando, 7:00 p.m.Fan Appreciation Weekend continues! The first 5,000 fans will receive a FREE rally card!  Fans will receive a Wawa food voucher as they exit the arena...The Everblades team awards ceremony will take place prior to the game  More prizes and giveaways handed out to fans throughout the night!   

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.

2016-17 Season Ticket Plans Now Available:  Full  and flexible partial season ticket plans are  currently available for the 2016-17 season. We offer several tickets packages designed 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###