Levko Koper Scores Twice as 'Blades Bounce Rabbits 5-3

ESTERO, FL – Levko Koper (pictured above) scored twice to lift the Florida Everblades to 5-3 victory over the Greenville Swamp Rabbits Saturday night at Germain Arena.. The Everblades (2-0-0-0, 4pts) take both games on the opening weekend.

Dalton Smith registered Florida’s first goal of the game when he muscled by a defender to position himself in front of the net. Smith stuffed the puck past Greenville goalie Jeff Malcolm for the tally to put the ‘Blades on top 1-0.

In the second period, Levko Koper led a 3-on-1 rush into the zone.  Koper eyed the trailer on the left wing then called his own number and roofed a shot high over Malcolm’s shoulder to give Florida a two-goal edge.

Less than a minute later, the ‘Blades extended their lead on the power play.  Zack Kamrass delivered a shot from the point that was tipped and redirected into the net by John McCarron.  Florida’s first power play goal of the season put the score at 3-0.

Greenville attempted to seize momentum in the game scoring two goals on back-to-back shots late in the second period.  Tommy Thompson rushed into the zone and accepted a feed from Garrett Noonan on the front door.  Thompson steered the puck past ‘Blades goaltender Daniel Altshuller to put the Rabbits on the board.

Moments Later, Angelo Miceli flexed a shot that ripped underneath the bar and into the net to pull Greenville within one after 40 minutes of play.

The Everblades wasted little time reclaiming the momentum early in the third period, as Koper secured his second goal of the game on nice feed from the win by McCarron to put Florida back on top by two.

Six minutes later, Michael Kirkpatrick slapped the puck from the slot that sharply hit off the body of Malcolm who made the initial save.  However, the rebound clipped behind the outstretched netminder and slowly trickled across the goal line for the goal to give the ‘Blades a 5-2 advantage.

Greenville later added another goal by Bretton Cameron to pull within two, but it would not be enough as the Everblades finish off the Swamp Rabbits 5-3.

Daniel Altshuller earned the win allowing three goals on 22 shots faced, while Malcolm takes the loss allowing five goals on 31 shots.  Forward John McCarron finished the game with three points (1g, 2a).

The Everblades will now get set for their first road test of the season next Saturday (Oct. 22) against the Orlando Solar Bears at the Amway Center.  Game time is slated for a 7:00 p.m. start time.   Fans can tune into the game on WJBX News, Talk & More on 101.5-FM.104.3-FM, 770-AM, or online by CLICKING HEREUpcoming Home Games & EventsSunday, October 16, 1:00 p.m.  - Everblades Celebrity Golf TournamentSpots and teams are still available! CLICK HERE for more information.

Tuesday, October 18 - Meet the Everblades at Jason's Deli Join us for a fun evening and meet this year's team at Jason's Deli located off Alico Road near Gulf Coast Town Center.  CLICK HERE for more details.

Friday, October 28 vs. South Carolina, 7:30 p.m. – Kids eat FREE in the Breakaway Sports Pub for every Friday game this season with the purchase on an adult entree....It's also video game night!   

Saturday, October 29 vs. South Carolina, 7:00 p.m. – American Cancer Society Night and Zombie Night for our Halloween theme.   "Sweets in the Suites" is back!  Children in costume will have the opportunity to Trick-or-Treat in the luxury suites during intermission.----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.

Special Offer!  Purchase any new ticket package for the 2016-17 season, and receive a $20 gift card from Ford's Garage!  Locations include Cape Coral, Downtown Fort Myers and Miromar Outlets in Estero.

For more information, call 239-948-7825, or stop by the team’s main office located at Germain Arena from Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

This release Courtesy of Fort Myers Technical College & Cape Coral Technical College

The Everblades are the proud ECHL affiliateof the NHL's Carolina Hurricanes###