The Florida Everblades opened the 2026-27 ECHL season with a 3-1 victory over the Orlando Solar Bears on Saturday night at Hertz Arena in Estero, Fla., after raising the organization’s ECHL-record fifth Kelly Cup championship banner.
A sellout crowd of 7,311 watched the pregame ceremony before the Florida Everblades took control on the ice. Florida outshot Orlando in each period and finished with a 32-18 advantage in shots on goal.
Florida Everblades Build Early Lead
Broten Sabo scored 10:54 into the first period for his first professional goal. Devon Paliani and Ryan Sambrook assisted on the play, giving the Florida Everblades a 1-0 lead after they outshot the Orlando Solar Bears 11-6 in the opening period.
Sabo appeared in one game last season for the Pittsburgh Penguins’ AHL affiliate in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. His goal Saturday provided an early milestone as Florida began its title defense.
Craig Needham doubled the lead at 14:52 of the second period. Jesse Lansdell assisted on the goal, while Cole Moberg earned a secondary assist as Florida held an 11-5 edge in shots during the middle period.
Needham scored 22 regular-season goals a year ago, tying for second most for the 2026 Kelly Cup champions. His second-period goal gave the Florida Everblades a two-goal advantage heading into the final period.
Ben Brar Adds Shorthanded Goal
Ben Brar extended Florida’s lead to 3-0 at 17:16 of the third period with an unassisted shorthanded goal. Brar entered his fourth professional season, all with the Florida Everblades, and has 15 career goals.
Aaron Luchuk scored for the Orlando Solar Bears at 19:50 of the third period. The goal ended Orlando’s shutout bid but did not change the result.
Cam Johnson made 17 saves to earn the victory in goal. The Florida Everblades limited Orlando to 18 shots over the game while producing 32 shots of their own.
Banner Ceremony Connects Florida Everblades to 2026 Title
Ten returning members of the 2026 Kelly Cup championship squad were on the Florida Everblades’ season-opening roster. Former captain Oliver Chau, Logan Lambdin and Kyle Neuber also returned to Hertz Arena for the banner-raising ceremony.
Saturday’s victory extended the Florida Everblades’ winning streak against the Orlando Solar Bears to seven games. The teams are scheduled to face each other 15 times during the season.
What Comes Next for the Florida Everblades
The Florida Everblades are scheduled to play the Orlando Solar Bears again Sunday at 5 p.m. at Kia Center in Orlando. The matchup gives Florida an immediate opportunity to build on its season-opening victory.
Florida is scheduled to host the Atlanta Gladiators at Hertz Arena on Friday, October 23, at 7:30 p.m. The teams are scheduled to meet again at Hertz Arena on Saturday, October 24, at 7 p.m.
FSB Take
The Florida Everblades paired their fifth Kelly Cup banner ceremony with a complete opening-night performance. Three different Florida players scored, the team controlled the shot count 32-18 and Cam Johnson made 17 saves in the victory. The rematch in Orlando gives the Everblades a quick test against a Solar Bears team they are scheduled to meet 15 times this season.
Source: Original report