2022 Kelly Cup

If you missed seeing the Florida Everblades play hockey this season, you missed out!

Yes, it is a little drive along I-75 to get to Hertz Arena, but their games are so entertaining.

Having been to a few games this season, win or lose, the ‘Blades never disappoint. But none had me on the edge of my seat like the last two games in the 2022 Kelly Cup playoffs against the Toledo Walleyes. It was standing room only with over 7,500 hockey fans in the arena.

They played game four Friday. Each team scored a goal in the first period but the second period was scoreless. During the third period they both scored again, throwing the game into overtime. With seconds remaining in overtime, the Everblades SCORED!

Hertz Arena was packed again Saturday night, this time with even more fans for the fifth game in the series. If the ‘Blades won, they won the series for the second time in their history. The crowd was ready. At the end of the first period, the score was 4-2. Neither team scored in the second period and ear-bending chants of “WE WANT THE CUP!” bellowed from the fans.

All the ‘Blades had to do was to hold them off, but the Walleye’s never let up with 38 nail biting shots on goal by the end of the third period. When the horn sounded and the ‘Blades won 4-2, the volume level in the arena must’ve set an all-time record!

Within minutes, a red carpet and table rolled out and Everblades goalie, Cam Johnson, was recognized as the Most Valuable Player. Mr. Kelly was on hand to present the Florida Everblades personally with the Kelly Cup. For a clip of the presentation with a skate around by team captain John McCarron, check out the links below or the Coastal Breeze News Facebook page.

If you want to see the Everblades in the 2022-23 season, your first chance will be October 29th.

Now, LET’S GO BOLTS for the Stanley Cup!