ESTERO, Fla. – The Florida Everblades begin a new season and another Kelly Cup title defense against the Orlando Solar Bears on Thursday, October 19 at 7:30 p.m. at Amway Center.

Florida grabbed wins in both preseason games against the Solar Bears, winning 4-2 and 6-3. Oliver Chau and Bobo Carpenter led the way with four points (two goals and two assists) each in the preseason. Among the new Blades, Zach Tsekos led the way with a goal and two assists in the tune-up games.

Last season, the Everblades became the fifth team in ECHL history to win back-to-back Kelly Cup titles after sweeping the Idaho Steelheads in the Finals. Sean Josling led the team with 20 points and netminder Cam Johnson won the June M. Kelly Playoffs MVP Award for the second straight season, becoming the first player in ECHL history to win the award in back-to-back playoff runs. 

Meanwhile, Orlando finished sixth in the South Division and missed the playoffs by 16 points. The Solar Bears have not qualified for the postseason since 2019, the longest active streak in the South Division and the third-longest active streak overall. Four of Orlando’s top five scorers from last season are no longer on the team.
 

After three road games to start the year, the Everblades’ home opener is on Saturday, October 28 at 7:00 p.m. against the Jacksonville Icemen. Before the game, the back-to-back Kelly Cup Champions will send a Kelly Cup banner to the rafters for a second straight season, commemorating the club’s third title.
 

JOIN THE FUN
The 2023-24 season ticket plans are on sale now! Become a Blades 365 Member for the 2023-24 season and enjoy incredible savings and benefits! To view the Blades 365 Membership savings, benefits, and options, click HERE. Group Packages are available for a group of 10 or more! The Everblades put the FUN in FUNdraising! There is no handling of any tickets or money and there’s no limit to the amount of money your group can make with the Everblades easy-to-tun online fundraiser! For more information, or to reserve a Fundraiser Night at an Everblades regular season home game, call or text (239) 948-7825. Grab the newest and hottest Everblades merchandise by checking out the entire collection that is available online by visiting shop.floridaeverblades.com or at the Hertz Arena Pro Shop!

JOIN THE CONVERSATION
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 on online at http://espnswfl.com or everblades.mixlr.com. Stay up to date by following the Blades on social media with all the latest news, scores, and promotions on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Twitter.