'Blades Agree to Terms with Defenseman Derek Sheppard

ESTERO, FL – Florida Everblades President & General Manager Craig Brush along with Head Coach Brad Ralph announced Tuesday that the team has agreed to terms with defenseman Derek Sheppard.

Sheppard, 23, joins the Everblades after posting 19 points (4g, 15a) in 28 games during his senior campaign at York University (USports).  The 6-0, 216-pound bluliner collected 100 points (33g, 67a) in 111 career games during his four-year career at York. While with the Lions, Sheppard was a two-time OUA West defenseman of the year, and was named OUA West most valuable player for the 2016-17 season.  The Scarborough, Ontario native also competed in two seasons with the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League’s (QMJHL) Gatineau Olympiques totaling 23 points (15g, 8a) along with 212 penalty minutes in 82 games.

The Everblades will conclude their road swing this Thursday night as they head to the Amway Center to take on the Wawa Sunshine Cup rival Orlando Solar Bears. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time. 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.TVUpcoming 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###