BLADES OPEN 2025 AGAINST ICEMEN

ESTERO, Fla. – The Florida Everblades wrapped up 2024 with a 4-3 overtime win over the Orlando Solar Bears, completing their three-game series and turning their attention to their first matchup of the new year against the Jacksonville Icemen tonight, Friday, January 2, at 7:30 p.m. 

In a Monday night fight to avoid getting swept by the Blades, the Bears jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first period with a goal from Jarrett Lee and Andrew Coxhead, marking both of their first points since playing the Stingrays three contests prior. Jordan Sambrook responded and put the Blades on the board, but it was short lived as Solar Bear Brayden Low saw the back of the net to make the score 3-1. 

Ben Brar then took over in the third, scoring twice, including the game-tying goal which gave Marc-Andre Gaudet the momentum to deliver the game-winning strike and seal the overtime victory. 

Craig Needham recorded his first multi-point game of the season, assisting on two consecutive goals by Ben Brar, who also tallied a multi-point night—his second in as many games.

Carson Gicewicz continues to lead Florida’s offensive charge with 26 points, followed closely by Logan Lambdin and Colton Hargrove, who are tied at 21 points each. On the other end, Icemen Brendan Harris and Zach Jordan are tied for first at 18 points. 

On the defensive end, Jordan Sambrook netted his first goal of the season, building on his 11 assists so far. With the goal, he now sits one point behind Kade Landry, totaling 13 points (12 assists, 1 goal). Leading the Icemen's blue line is Ivan Chukarov with 14 points, followed closely by Garrett Van Wyhe and Noah Laaouan, who are tied at 13 points each.

David Tendeck made his season debut on Monday night, earning his first win and starting off by posting a .875 save percentage in the victory. 

The Icemen are currently riding a four-game winning streak and sit ninth in the overall league standings, while the Blades are on a three-game win streak and hold third place.

---

Season ticket plans for the 2024-25 campaign are on sale now! Become a Blades 365 Member for the 2024-25 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! Everblades put 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.

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, or online at espnswfl.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.