Team Effort Propels 'Blades to Victory Over Orlando

ORLANDO, FL – Matt Berry scored the game-winning goal midway through the second period while Levko Koper added two assists to lead the Florida Everblades (3-0-0-0, 6 pts) to a 3-2 win over the rival Orlando Solar Bears (0-1-0-0, 0 pts) on Saturday night at the Amway Center. The Everblades now hold a two point to none lead over the Solar Bears in the race for the Wawa Sunshine Cup.

Striking first, the Solar Bears took an early advantage, scoring the game’s opening goal just 3:35 into the first period. Controlling the puck deep in the attacking zone, Eric Faille managed to stretch a pass from the left side corner to the right wing circle. Picking up the puck at the faceoff dot, Nikolas Brouillard fired a rocket of a shot past the glove of Everblades goaltender Anthony Peters to give Orlando a 1-0 lead.

That initial lead did not last long for the Solar Bears. Just 39-second later, the ‘Blades would answer back with a goal of their own. Getting a two-on-one advantage, Brendan O’Donnell threaded the needle with his pass and hit Mike Aviani as he entered the slot. Turning on the afterburners, Aviani blew past the defense and slipped his quick shot between Orlando goaltender Kasimir Kaskisuo and the short side post.

Coming out of the first intermission, the ‘Blades came out firing and took a 2-1 lead just 13-seconds into the second frame. Winning the opening faceoff, the Everblades quickly worked their way into the attacking zone. Getting to the front of the net, John McCarron received a centering a feed from Brant Harris and quickly directed the puck past the Solar Bears netminder.

Doubling their lead just a couple minutes later, Matt Berry took advantage of a rebound to tally his first goal as a member of the Everblades. On the Power Play, Florida controlled the action down in the Orlando zone. Stopping the initial effort from Levko Koper, the rebound shot right to the stick of Berry who quickly flipped the puck over the outstretched arm of Kaskisuo and into the back of the net.

Continuing the fast paced action early in the second period, the Solar Bears responded with a goal of their own. Racing down the right wing side, T.J. Foster worked his way past the Florida defense. Getting a clear shot at the right wing circle, Foster sniped his quick wrist shot high into the net to cut the Everblades’ lead in half.

Following the fast paced start to the middle frame, both teams continued to pepper the other with some quality shots. However, both Peters and Kaskisuo made some stellar saves to keep the score line at 3-2.

The third period would continue to see two teams go hard on offense. Multiple scoring chances were had by both teams as each looked for that crucial game-changing goal. Despite the Solar Bears best efforts, Anthony Peters was like a brick wall in goal for the Everblades. Even with the goalie pulled late in the third period, Orlando could not find a way to beat Peters as the Florida Everblades picked up the 3-2 victory.

Anthony Peters was outstanding throughout for the ‘Blades, earning the win after stopping 26 of the 28-shots he faced. Kasimir Kaskisuo suffers the loss for Orlando despite an extremely solid night in goal, allowing three goals on 37-shots.

The Florida Everblades return to Germain Arena next Friday night (Oct. 28) to take on the rival South Carolina Stringrays. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Eastern time. Fan can purchase tickets at the Florida Community Bank Box Office located at Germain Arena, at any Ticketmaster outlet, or online at www.ticketmaster.com

Fans can also catch the game broadcast on WJBX News, Talk & More on 101.5-FM.104.3-FM, 770-AM or by CLICKING HERE

Upcoming Home Games & Promotions 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.  

Ticket Information2016-17 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###