ESTERO, Fla. – After seven days away from in-game action, the Everblades (32-17-4-4) returned to Hertz Arena on a high note with a 6-5 win against the archrival Orlando Solar Bears (29-24-4-0) on Saturday night. 

Orlando jumped on the Blades early with a Dylan Fitze goal 2:17 into the night. After Joe Garreffa’s attempt hit the crossbar, Fitze was right along the doorstep to bury the second chance. John McCarron (9:32) answered to tie the game at one just 17 seconds on the first Everblades power-play. The captain broke another franchise record on the play, becoming the all-time goal leader with 165 total. Assists went to Jake McLaughlin and Blake Winiecki. Orlando’s Maxim Cajkovic put the Solar Bears back in front 2-1 at 15:43 to conclude the first period. 

In the second period, the Everblades found their second goal on the man-advantage, this time from Joe Pendenza (4:28) on a snipe to the top shelf which made the score 2-2. The first Blades lead of the night came from McCarron after a Jake McLaughlin shot deflected off his stick and into the net at the 11:08 marker. Pendenza followed through with a multi-goal game of his own, converting on a rebound from the far post as the teams approached the final three minutes. The three-goal second period brought Florida into the intermission with a 4-2 advantage. 

Garreffa (3:57) pulled the Solar Bears deficit within one in the third period after his wrister from the blue line rose over the shoulder of goaltender Cam Johnson. Their momentum wouldn’t last long as Pendenza earned his hat trick on a breakaway goal just 2:39 later to elevate the Blades’ lead to 5-3. Alex Aleardi’s empty netter sweetened the deal with 1:56 to go in the game. Odeen Tufto scored twice in the final minute for Orlando, but the Everblades held off the Solar Bears the rest of the way to finalize the victory at 6-5.

The Everblades look ahead to their fifth of seven straight home games when the Jacksonville Icemen visit Hertz Arena this Wednesday, March 16. The Swamp features some awesome Hump Day deals, including $3 John Morrell hot dogs and Bud Light drafts. Also, college students can show a valid student ID at the Fifth Third Box Office to purchase their student ticket for only $5. Students can also purchase tickets online HERE.Read more about the Blades’ busy promotional schedule and great deals HERE.

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JOIN THE FUN 

2022 Kelly Cup Playoff Packages are now on sale. Join the Blades in their pursuit for a second Kelly Cup title! To learn more, call or text (239) 948-7825. 

Become a member of the Florida Everblades family by securing a great seat location and big savings with a Blades 365 Membership!

Purchase a new Voucher 12 package that allows you to use 12 tickets in any quantity during the 2021-22 season to earn the exclusive benefits of being a Blades 365 Member! To view the Blades 365 Membership savings, benefits and options click HERE.

Everblades put the FUN in FUNdraising! There is no handling of money or tickets and no limit to the amount of money your group can make with the Everblades easy-to-run online Fundraiser! For more information, or to reserve a Fundraiser Night at an Everblades regular season home game, call or text (239) 948-7825.

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Watch every Florida Everblades game on FloHockey.TV. Listen to the exciting game action on ESPN Southwest Florida on 770 AM, 98.1 FM, 104.3 FM and online athttps://espnswfl.com. 

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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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