Ouellette Outstanding as 'Blades Clinch Wawa Sunshine Cup

Written by Robert Molnar 

ORLANDO, FL – Martin Ouellette was absolutely perfect in goal for the Florida Everblades (36-11-1-4, 77 pts), leading the team to a 4-0 shutout victory over the rival Orlando Solar Bears (23-25-5-1, 52 pts) Wednesday night at the Amway Center. With the result, the Florida Everblades have officially clinched victory in the battle for the Wawa Sunshine Cup with a 16 to 6 points lead.  The Wawa Sunshine Cup is awarded to team with the most points in the regular season head-to-head matchup.

BOX SCORE

Quentin Shore would give the ‘Blades a 1-0 lead midway through the first period. Hustling for the puck, Lorentz managed to corral the loose puck behind the Orlando net. Lorentz found Shore who quickly wristed the puck off the pad of Mackenzie Skapski and into the net.

In the second period, Brett Bulmer capitalized on a rebound to give the Everblades a 2-0 advantage. Steven Lorentz brought the puck into the left wing circle before firing a shot off of the body of Mackenzie Skapski. Bulmer picked up the rebound in the slot and hammered the second chance opportunity into the back of the net.

Joe Cox would clinch the game midway through the third period as he gave the ‘Blades a 3-0 lead. Michael Kirkpatrick used a two-on-one advantage to find a wide-open Joe Cox at the side of the crease. Cox received the puck and quickly lifted his shot high into the top corner of the net.

In full control of the contest, the ‘Blades would add to their lead late in the third period. Bulmer added a second goal on the night when he ripped a shot that would deflect off an Orlando defensemen and carom into the net as Florida earns the 4-0 victory.  The ‘Blades also clinch the Wawa Sunshine Cup for a third straight season. Lorentz added an assist on the fourth goal to record a career high three points on the night.

Martin Ouellette was perfect all night long in goal for the Everblades and earns his third shutout victory this season after stopping all 38 of the shots he faced. Mackenzie Skapski suffers the loss in goal for Orlando after allowing four goals on 30 shots.

The Everblades will once again faceoff against the Wawa Sunshine Cup rival Orlando Solar Bears this Friday 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

Friday,  February 23, vs. Orlando, 7:30 p.m. Kids eat free in the Breakaway Sports Pubwith the purchase of an adult entree!  All-you-can-eat bottomless popcorn all night long!

Saturday,  February 24, vs. Jacksonville, 7:00 p.m. Canadian Night presented by TD Bank. Tailgate party from 5-7 p.m. featuring live music and bounce houses for the kids.

Wednesday,  February 28, vs. Jacksonville, 7:30 p.m. $2 Wednesday!  Fans can enjoy $2 hot dogs, $2 draft beers and $2 wines all night long in the concourse!  College students receive a $5 tickets with valid college ID.

Ticket Information

Purchase Single Game Tickets at the Florida Community Bank Box Office located at Germain Arena, or online via Ticketmaster by CLICKING HERE

2017-18 Ticket Packages are Currently on Sale!  Flexible partial plans are available. These packages 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###