The Florida Everblades finished the preseason with a 2-1 overtime loss to the Orlando Solar Bears on Friday night. Florida took the lead in the second period before Orlando tied the game in the third. Dyllan Gill scored the overtime winner for the Solar Bears.
The first period ended scoreless. Carson Gicewicz had a shorthanded breakaway late in the period, but Scott Ratzlaff stopped the chance for Orlando. The Florida Everblades controlled the pace despite improved play from the Solar Bears.
Broten Sabo set up Jack Horbach for the opening goal early in the second period. Horbach scored his second goal in as many preseason games to give Florida a 1-0 lead. Both teams changed goaltenders midway through the period.
Cam Johnson finished with 11 saves on 11 shots for the Florida Everblades. Ratzlaff made 11 saves on 12 shots before his night ended. Brendan Harris tied the game for Orlando in the third period on a three-on-two rush.
Gill ended the game in overtime with a one-timer set up by Aaron Luchuk. The loss concluded the Florida Everblades preseason. Florida and Orlando will meet again to begin the regular season.
Regular-season opener set for Hertz Arena
The Florida Everblades and Orlando Solar Bears will play Saturday, October 17, at Hertz Arena. The puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. before the Florida Everblades raise their 2026 Kelly Cup Championship banner.
Season-ticket plans for the 2026-27 campaign are on sale. Florida Everblades games are available on FloHockey.TV and on The Fan at 94.1 FM, 103.3 FM and 105.9 FM, as well as online at Everblades.mixlr.com.
FSB Take
Florida closed its preseason with a narrow overtime loss after Horbach scored again and Johnson stopped all 11 shots he faced. The Everblades now have a regular-season rematch with the Orlando Solar Bears at Hertz Arena. The game also will include Florida’s 2026 Kelly Cup Championship banner ceremony.
Source: Original report