WHO: Florida Everblades (48-13-7-3) vs. Reading Royals (36-25-8-2)

BROADCAST: Watch all the thrilling action of Florida Everblades hockey all season long on FloHockey.TV. Listen to the exciting game coverage online at Everblades.mixlr.com. Tonight’s broadcast is also available on the Heroes and Icons Network.

ESTERO, Fla. – The Florida Everblades wrap up a successful regular season tonight, April 18 at Hertz Arena on a night they will celebrate former captain and two-time Kelly Cup champion John McCarron with his jersey retirement.

McCarron spent seven seasons with the Everblades (2016-23) setting the franchise record in games played (464), goals (179), assists (264), and points (443). The Cornell alum was instrumental in Florida’s success during the postseason helping the club win back-to-back championships in 2022 and 2023 during the franchise’s dynastic run. In the postseason McCarron appeared in 91 career games recording 78 points (27 goals, 51 assists).

Florida opened the weekend with a strong 4-1 victory over the Reading Royals Friday night. For the 43rd time this season, the Everblades struck first, as Reid Duke converted on his own rebound late in the opening period for his 18th goal of the year. Jett Jones assisted on the play, extending his point streak to four games.

Reading answered in the second period to even the score, but Florida regained control early in the third. Anthony Romano netted his team-leading 24th goal just 21 seconds into the frame, with Hudson Elynuik contributing as part of a two-point third period. Romano’s multi-point effort brought him to 60 points on the season.

In goal, Cam Johnson earned his 30th win, turning aside 24 of 25 shots. The First Team All-ECHL netminder has recorded points in nine straight starts (7-0-1-1) and has allowed two goals or fewer in six consecutive outings.

Brad Ralph’s group continues its late-season surge, improving to 9-0-1-1 over its last 11 games and reaching 106 points with one game remaining. The Everblades have also earned points in 18 straight home games, posting a 14-0-2-2 mark since January 30.

Florida enters the regular season finale on pace to set an ECHL record for fewest goals against, having allowed just 140 goals (1.97 per game). Jordan Sambrook is also nearing a milestone, carrying a remarkable +61 rating.

On the other side, Reading has gone 0-2-1 over its last three games and sits fourth in the North Division following Friday’s loss and an Adirondack victory.

Florida has been dominant against North Division opponents this season, posting a 7-0-2-1 record in 10 matchups.

Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m. ET from Hertz Arena to conclude the regular season before Florida hosts the Savannah Ghost Pirates in the South Division semifinals beginning Friday, April 24 at 7:30 p.m.

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