Rough Weekend for Florida, Homestand Ahead

Friday Shutout: The Everblades were shut out for the first time this season on Friday against the Orlando Solar Bears. Luke McInnis got his first professional goal for the Bears to put Orlando up 1-0 in the first period. Mark Auk followed suit a few minutes later to put the Blades in a 2-0 hole. Jerry D’Amigo scored an empty netter to seal the Solar Bears’ 3-0 victory. Florida goaltender Jake Hildebrand played well despite the loss and stopped 39 of 41 shots.

Saturday Comeback Falls Short: Joe Pendenza put Florida up 1-0 early in the first period with a sharp wrist shot. Orlando’s Aaron Luchuk tied the game later in the first and then gave the Bears the lead in the second period with consecutive tallies. 

After Tristin Langan gave Orlando a 3-1 lead, Blake Winiecki scored with under six minutes left in the third period to bring Florida back to within one. Down 3-2 late in the third, goaltender Jake Hildebrand was forced to make multiple one-on-one saves to keep the Blades’ hopes alive. Eventually, the Solar Bears scored two empty net goals to finish off the Everblades. 

Outrun on Sunday: Florida scored first once again on Sunday. This time, it was Evan Neugold giving the Everblades an early 1-0 advantage. Neugold’s tally was his first of the year. The Bears waited until late in the first period to answer back with goals from Tristin Langan and Jerry D’Amigo. 

Orlando scored twice more in the middle of the third period to take a firm 4-1 grip on the game. Colby Sissons scored his first of the season with six minutes left in the final frame, but the Blades would not come any closer. An empty net goal from Jake Coughler sealed the 5-2 decision for the Solar Bears. Florida outshot Orlando 36-18 in the final two periods, and 44-33 in the game. Sunday marked the first Everblades action for new goaltender Evan Buitenhuis. Buitenhuis finished with 28 saves on 32 shots. 

Looking Ahead: The Everblades return to Hertz Arena on Wednesday, Mar. 10 at 7:30 p.m. against the South Carolina Stingrays. Enjoy Hump Day Deals! $3 Bud Light Drafts, $3 Barefoot Wine, $3 John Morrell Hot Dogs, plus $4 New Amsterdam Vodka and Pink Whitney Vodka! Calling all College Students – Show your College ID at the Hertz Arena Box Office and receive $5 tickets at every Blades Wednesday Night home game! Find tickets for the game on Mar. 10HERE.

We will honor all of the first responders who work tirelessly, especially throughout the pandemic, on First Responders Weekend presented by Cape Coral Firefighters. The Blades will don specialty first responders’ jerseys on both Friday, Mar. 12 and Saturday, Mar. 13. Proceeds from the jersey auction will be donated to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.  

First Responders Weekend kicks off when Florida squares off with South Carolina at Hertz Arena on Friday, Mar. 12 at 7:30 p.m. Enjoy 239 Fridays! Get two premium seats, two build-your-own nachos, AND two autographed programs for only $39! Take advantage of the 239 Fridays online only offer at FloridaEverblades.com/239. Kids 12 and under eat free with purchase of an adult entree at Breakaway Sports Pub, located inside Hertz Arena. Find tickets for the game on Mar. 12HERE.

The Everblades complete the week against the Orlando Solar Bears on Saturday, Mar. 13 at 7:00 p.m. at Hertz Arena. Enjoy the Saturday Tailgate Party featuring free live music from 3 Hour Tour from 5:00-7:00 p.m. outside of Hertz Arena! Find tickets to the game on Mar. 13HERE.

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The Florida Everblades are the proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Nashville Predators and the AHL's Milwaukee Admirals.

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