Another banner night as Everblades open 2026-27 season with win

The Florida Everblades made a triumphant start to their 2026-27 ECHL season on October 17, 2025, by clinching a 3-1 victory over the Orlando Solar Bears at Hertz Arena. The win marked a significant milestone for the franchise, as it raised their 2026 Kelly Cup Championship banner for the fifth time in league history. This particular win was particularly notable, as the Everblades had to fight their way back from a 4-1 deficit in Game 6 of the Finals series against the Kansas City Mavericks.

Oliver Chau scored the game-tying goal with 13 seconds remaining in the third period, and Isaac Nurse sealed the championship with a goal in double overtime. Team co-founder and president Craig Brush described the comeback as "the greatest in franchise history." The Everblades celebrated their hard-fought victory with a video package showcasing key moments from their championship run, which brought back fond memories for the players.

The team's success was also attributed to the integration of new players, with Oliver Chau, the championship-winning captain, wearing street clothes while carrying the Kelly Cup trophy onto the ice. Rookie defenseman Broten Sabo scored the first goal of the season, and his teammate Jordan Sambrook provided a crucial assist. Despite facing penalty trouble in the final moments of the game, Everblades goalie Cam Johnson was honored with his fourth Kelly Cup and third June M. Kelly Playoff MVP Award.