ESTERO, FL – The Florida Everblades announced Thursday their initial promotional schedule and key dates for the 2017-18 season.

The Everblades will open their 20th Anniversary season on October 13 & 14 against the Atlanta Gladiators. Anniversary and opening weekend details will be announced at a later date.

Military and Veterans night is set for Saturday, November 11 when the team plays host to the Cincinnati Cyclones. Once again the team will honor our veterans and military personnel with specialty themed jerseys which will be auctioned off following the game to benefit the National Coalition for Patriots.

One of the biggest nights of the season is the annual IBERIABANK Teddy Bear Toss will take place on Saturday, December 9 when the Everblades play host to the Jacksonville IceMen.  Fans will once again be encouraged to bring a new or gently used stuffed animal to the game.  When the Everblades score their first goal, fans may throw the stuffed toys onto the ice to celebrate.  The stuffed animals and teddy bears will be rounded up and distributed to children’s charities across Southwest Florida for the holidays. Last year’s game collected nearly early 7,500 plush toys.

February 10 versus the Allen Americans is Pink in the Rink Night, presented by Radiology Regional.  The team will wear special pink jerseys for breast cancer awareness. The jerseys will be auctioned off following the game with the proceeds benefiting local cancer charities.

March 17 against the Orlando Solar Bears marks the annual Guns ‘N Hoses game.  Local law enforcement officers and local fire fighters will battle it out on the ice prior to the 7:00 p.m. game.  The Everblades will be donning special Guns ‘n Hoses themed jerseys which will be made available in a postgame jersey auction benefiting the 4 the Kids Foundation.

April 7 is Fan Appreciation Night as well as Black Out Night.  The team will once again sport the popular black jerseys which will be auctioned to benefit The Passion Foundation. Giveaways and the team awards ceremony will also highlight the night.

The team has several additional promotions planned for the upcoming season which will be announced at a later date.

The Everblades will also continue their season-long promotions listed below:

All Wednesday Games $2 Hot Dogs, $2 Draft Beers, $2 Wines College Night! College students receive $5 tickets w/ free parking when they present college ID.

All Friday Games Kids 12 & under Eat FREE at Breakaway Sports Pub with purchase of an adult entree.

All Saturday Games Pregame Tailgate from 5:00-7:00 p.m. featuring live music and bounce houses!  Food and beverages will also be available for purchase. ---- 2017-18 Ticket Packages are Currently on Sale!  Everblades ticket packages are now on sale for the 20th season of Everblades Hockey. We offer full season and flexible partial plans that will best fit your schedule and budget! To view pricing and benefits of all available tickets packages CLICK HERE

SPECIAL OFFER! Purchase a new ticket package for the 2017-18 season and receive a $20 gift card to Ford's Garage!

For more information call 239-948-7825, or stop by the Everblades offices at Germain Arena Monday thru Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Check out the Everbladesfor opening weekend on Friday, October 13 & 14 against the Atlanta Gladiators at Germain Arena!

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

The Everblades are the proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Carolina Hurricanes