'Blades Shine in 4-2 Victory Over Solar Bears on Saturday

Written by Robert Molnar / Photo Courtesy of Fernando Medina

ORLANDO, FL – Martin Ouellette was outstanding in goal while Gus Young scored the eventual game-winning goal to help lead the Florida Everblades (8-1-0-0, 16 pts) to a 4-2 victory over the rival Orlando Solar Bears (2-4-1-0, 5 pts) Saturday night at the Amway Center. The result gives ‘Blades a four points to one lead in the battle for the Wawa Sunshine Cup.

BOX SCORE 

Much like Wednesday night’s affair between the two teams, the Everblades would open the games scoring, taking a 1-0 lead just 4:21 into the first period. Kyle Neuber collected the puck along the left wing boards and backhanded a pass towards the front of goal. All alone, Brett Bulmer was able to not only meet the puck at the front door, but bury it past Orlando goaltender Cal Heeter for the goal.

Less than a minute-and-a-half later, the ‘Blades extended their lead to 2-0 as Logan Roe got in on the scoring for the first time this season. Roe received the puck from Michael Kirkpatrick. Set up at the point, Roe ripped a wicked shot through some traffic and past the glove of a completely screened Cal Heeter.

The game would go back-and-forth for the majority of the middle frame, and continue until the 16:17 mark of the period when Orlando finally get on the board, cutting the ‘Blades lead to 2-1.  Max Novak received a pass from Matias Cleland and broke into the attacking zone. Novak made a nice move before lifting his backhanded shot over the glove of Martin Ouellette.

Orlando would tied the game at 2-2 just over two-and-a-half minutes later. On the power play, Orlando set up shop in the Florida zone. Chris Crane got the puck to Jean Dupuy who was creeping in towards the net. Dupuy managed to pick up his own rebound before wristing a second chance opportunity past an outstretched Martin Ouellette.

With the game tied entering the third period, both teams knew that the next goal would be a major one. Fortunately for the ‘Blades, that go-ahead goal went in their direction. Michael Kirkpatrick sent the puck to Gus Young at the blue line. Ripping a shot through traffic, Young sent his pin-point shot into the top corner of the net to give the ‘Blades a 3-2 lead.

Despite the Solar Bears seeing some excellent chances for the remainder of the third period, they could simply not beat Martin Ouellette who turned asides all 15 Orlando shots in the final period.

Florida ended all hope of an Orlando comeback with just over three-minutes remaining in the contest. Taking advantage of a power play opportunity, Mitchell Heard tipped home a rocket of a shot from Steven Lorentz at the right wing circle to give the ‘Blades the 4-2 lead and the eventual victory.

Martin Ouellette was absolutely stellar in goal for the Everblades as he made big save after big save to help preserve the victory and earn himself the win after stopping 30 of the 32 shots he faced. Cal Heeter played well in goal for Orlando but does suffer the loss after allowing four goals on 22 shots.

The Florida Everblades will kickoff a three game home stand against the Cincinnati Cyclones this Wednesday night at Germain Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Tickets for the contest can be purchased 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. Fans can also watch the game online at ECHL.TVUpcoming Home Games

Wednesday, November 8, vs. Cincinnati, 7:30 p.m.  $2 Wednesday!  Fans can enjoy $2 hot dogs, $2 beer and $2 wine all night long!  College students receive a $5 tickets with valid college ID.

Friday, November 10, vs. Cincinnati, 7:30 p.m.  Swampee's Birthday! Bring the kids to help celebrate with his mascot friends!  The first 500 kids will receive FREE ice cream courtesy of Molly Moo's!  Kids also eat free in the Breakaway Sports Pub with the purchase of an adult entree (This promo good for every Friday game this season!)  

Saturday, November 11, vs. Cincinnati, 7:00 p.m.  Military Night!  The team will wear special Military Jerseys which will be auctioned to benefit the National Coalition for Patriots.

Ticket Information

2017-18 Ticket Packages are Currently on Sale!  We offer full season and flexible partial plans that will best fit your schedule and budget!  To view pricing and benefits of all available ticket 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!

Discounted Group Tickets: Bring your group of 10 or more to a game at a discounted price!  Group tickets are available for all home games. Fundraising opportunities are also available. For more information on group tickets, 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.

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