Roe's Overtime Blast Sends 'Blades Past Orlando 2-1

Written by Robert Molnar 

ORLANDO, FL – Logan Roe scored the game-winning goal 1:53 into overtime to lead the Florida Everblades (42-12-2-4, 90 pts) to a 2-1 win over the Wawa Sunshine Cup rival Orlando Solar Bears (30-26-6-1, 67 pts) Thursday night at the Amway Center. With the win, the Florida Everblades extend their lead in the South Division standings to five points.

BOX SCORE

Jean Dupuy netted the opening goal of the contest, giving Orlando a 1-0 lead midway through the first period. Hunter Fejes sent the puck across the slot to an arriving Dupuy. Dupuy corralled the pass and snapped his shot over the blocker side shoulder of Everblades goaltender Martin Ouellette.

However, the Orlando lead did not last long as just over a minute later, the Everblades tied the game courtesy of a goal from Brett Bulmer. The Everblades managed to force a quick turnover. And sent the puck to Bulmer who wristed a shot from the slot past Orlando goaltender Cal Heeter.

In the second period, the middle frame would remain a scoreless affair between both teams. Highlighting the action in the second period was an absolutely stunning save from ‘Blades goaltender Martin Ouellette as he absolutely robbed Orlando of a sure goal midway through the period.

The third period would also proceed in a scoreless fashion, however, unlike the previous frame, the period was dominated at the offensive end by the Solar Bears. Despite outshooting the ‘Blades in the final frame of regulation, Orlando could not find a way to beat Martin Ouellette, sending the game into overtime.

In overtime, Logan Roe would sent the ‘Blades home happy as he scored the game-winning goal just under two minutes into the extra frame. Collecting the rebound from a stopped Stephen MacAulay breakaway, Mitchell Heard delivered a pass across the ice to the right wing circle to Roe.  Roe fired a blast from the right wing circle that blazed its way into the back of the net.

Martin Ouellette was fantastic in goal for the Everblades and earns the victory after stopping 32 of the 33 shots he faced. Despite the overtime loss, Cal Heeter also played well in goal for Orlando as he allowed just two goals on 41 shots.

The Florida Everblades will open Guns and Hoses Weekend tomorrow night at Germain Arena against the Wawa Sunshine Cup rival Orlando Solar Bears. 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 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.TV

Upcoming Home Games & Events.

Friday,  March 16, vs. Orlando, 7:30 p.m. Kids eat free in the Breakaway Sports Pubwith the purchase of an adult entree!  Fans can also enjoy bottomless all-you-can-eat popcorn from the concession stands all night long!

Saturday,  March 17, vs. Orlando, 7:00 p.m. Annual Guns 'n Hoses game!  The team will wear special police and fire fighter themed jerseys that will be auctioned off following the game to benefit MDA (Muscular Dystrophy Association).  In addition, local police and fire fighters will do battle on the ice beginning at 4:15 p.m.

Try Goalie Day also takes place on March 17 from 12;30-2:30 p.m. on the main rink at Germain Arena.  This FREE event is open to youth hockey players aged 5-13 interested in the opportunity to try playing goalie.  Everblades Goaltending Coach Josh Robinson in conjunction with Phil Osaer with USA Hockey will be hosting the event for interested youth players to have fun and give the goalie position a try. Goalie equipment will be provided, but interested players should bring their own hockey equipment and skates.

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###