Everblades lose 1-0, learn first round opponent

ORLANDO, Fla.- Garrett Sparks stopped all 33 shots faced to lead the Orlando Solar Bears to a 1-0 victory over the Florida Everblades at the Amway Center Thursday evening. With the win, the Solar Bears clinch the fourth and final playoff spot in the East Division and will face the Everblades in the first round of the 2015 Kelly Cup Playoffs.

The Solar Bears grabbed the game’s first goal at 13:16 of the first period. Max Nicastro picked up a turnover at the blue line and delivered a shot toward the net that beat Allen York who was screened in front.

Florida threw numerous shots at Garrett Sparks for the first two periods, but the Orlando netminder continued to stand tall in goal to preserve a 1-0 Orlando lead heading into the third period.

Sparks continued to shine in the third, and refused to let any of Florida’s third period shots get past him to secure the 1-0 shutout victory for Orlando. Sparks earns his fifth shutout of the season stopping all 33 shots faced, while Florida goaltender Allen York was impressive in the loss allowing one goal on 30 shots faced.

The two teams will meet again on Friday at Germain Arena beginning at 7:30 p.m. Game promotional details listed below.
PLAYOFF GAMES! The Everblades will host Games 1 & 2 of the first round of the Kelly Cup Playoffs on Friday, April 17 and Saturday, April 18. Tickets for these two games are currently on sale at www.ticketmaster.com or at the Century Link Prism Box Office located at Germain Arena.

Here is the full schedule for the Everblades’ first round matchup against Orlando:

Game 1 : Friday, April 17, Orlando at Florida, Germain Arena, 7:30 p.m.
Game 2: Saturday. April 18, Orlando at Florida, Germain Arena, 7:00 p;m.
Game 3: Tuesday, April 21, Florida at Orlando, Amway Center
Game 4: Thursday, April 23, Florida at Orlando, Amway Center
Game 5: Saturday, April 25, Florida at Orlando, Amway Center **
Game 6: Monday, April 27, Orlando at Florida, Germain Arena, 7:30 p.m. **
Game 7: Wednesday, April 29, Orlando at Florida, Germain Arena, 7:30 p.m. **
** If Necessary
Upcoming Home Games & Promotions
Friday, April 10 vs. Orlando, 7:30 p.m. – Fan Appreciation Weekend Opens up! Fans will receive team photos courtesy of FGCU and Direct Impressions. The Kelly Cup will be on hand for fans to check out and take photos!

Saturday, April 11 vs. Orlando, 7:00 p.m. – Rally Card Giveaway, Team Awards Ceremony, Rally Card Giveaway, and we will be giving away a Westin Bed during the intermission! Kelly Cup appearance and postgame jersey auction.