McCarron's Four Goals Lifts 'Blades To 8-6 Win Over Orlando

Written by Robby Llewellyn

ESTERO, FL - John McCarron scored four goals to the lead the Everblades (13-3-1-2) to a wild 8-6 victory over the Solar Bears Saturday night at Germain Arena.  Florida had it all working as they went head-to-head with the Orlando Solar Bears (11-6-2-0) in the third game of this season’s Wawa Sunshine Cup Series.

VIDEO:  Game Highlights 

The Solar Bears came into the game riding a five-game win streak including a win on Friday night against the Everblades in Orlando but couldn’t seem to find the defense that kept Florida to a season-low shots on goal total the night before. John McCarron had four goals earning him tonight's first star of the game.

Early in the first period, the Everblades scored on a power play chance off the stick of John McCarron. After gaining the line, the Everblades were able to cycle the puck around while the gritty young forward got in great position to put home the loose puck in front of the net.

Blades forward Brendan O’Donnell is another guy who has been showing plenty of skill and toughness this season. O’Donnell, who currently leads the team in goals, has been playing on the top-line alongside Michael Kirkpatrick and newly acquired winger Adam Brace. He made several crafty passes in the first period, including a behind-the-back pass that set up a beautiful scoring opportunity.

After fighting through a couple of penalties early on, veteran winger Matt Berry provided a spark when he burst into the zone for a 2-on-1 opportunity and lifted the puck past reigning goalie of the month Ryan Massa. Berry has impressed all season with his knack for making highlight reel plays.

With under a minute left, the Solar Bears caught the ‘Blades D sleeping when they picked up a loose puck and fired a slap shot that deflected off ‘Blades goalie Anthony Peters and onto the stick of Chris Crane who did a great job of anticipating the shot.

There was plenty of scoring In the second period, where the Everblades had multiple breakaways which ultimately resulted in them adding to their goal total. The Solar Bears started the period by scoring on a tough-angle shot from Joe Perry that somehow found its way over the shoulder of Anthony Peters. The ‘Blades and Solar Bears then traded a pair of chippy even strength goals within minutes of each other coming from Eric Scheid and Chris Crane respectively to bring the score to 3-3.

While on the penalty kill midway through the second period some tough forechecking from Florida’s Evan Bloodoff and Michael Ferrantino created and odd man rush which ended with Ferrantino saucering a pass right past the stick of an Orlando defenseman and right to Bloodoff who deked the goalie for a shorthanded goal. The Everblades now possessed a 4-3 advantage but were itching to get another goal.

After failing to get anything started on their second power play of the period, Orlando surrendered another shorthanded goal when John McCarron intercepted a pass and headed straight to the net on the breakaway.

The arena was buzzing after the tremendous effort displayed by the Everblades penalty-kill unit including some big hits that were being made along the boards. The Solar Bears were able to pick up another goal in the closing minutes to make the score 5-4 headed into the third period.

After posting most of their scoring while shorthanded or at even-strength the ‘Blades added to their total with another powerplay goal. With a 6-4 lead, the Solar Bears pulled their goalie with hopes of rallying late in the period which resulted in John McCarron burying his fourth goal of the game.

After the two quick tallies in the final minute of play, Orlando head coach Drake Berehowsky called a timeout in order to draw up a play. With their net empty Orlando raced down the ice only to have the ‘Blades quickly jump on the puck and Brendan O’Donnell netted what was their eighth goal of the night to seal the game 8-6.

It was a wild game but the Florida Everblades got back in the win column with a big home win against their instate rivals. The winning goalie was Anthony Peters making 26 saves against 32 shots faced. Florida now takes four points to two points lead over Orlando in the Wawa Sunshine Cup Series.

The Everblades will now get set for a three-game set against the Elmira Jackals beginning on Wednesday.  Promotional details listed below.Upcoming Home Games & PromotionsWednesday, December 7 vs. Elmira, 7:30 p.m. – $2 Wednesdays! $2 Beers, Wines & Hot Dogs all night long!  Wednesday's are also College Night.  College students receive a $5 ticket w/ free parking when they present their College ID at Germain Arena.

Friday, December 9 vs. Elmira, 7:30 p.m. – Kids eat FREE in the Breakaway Sports Pub with the  purchase of an adult entree!

Saturday, December 10 vs. Elmira, 7:00 p.m. – Annual IBERIABANK Teddy Bear Toss!  Fans are encouraged to bring a new teddy bear or stuffed animal to the game to throw onto the ice when the Everblades score their first goal.   All of the teddy bears will be rounded up and delivered to local children's charities for the holidays!

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.com2016-17 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.

Discounted Group Tickets: Bring your group of 10 or more to a game at a discounted price, and you ma also receive an Everblades souvenir! Group tickets are available for all home games. For more information on group tickets, call 239-948-7825.

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