ESTERO, Fla. — The Florida Everblades celebrated their latest championship Saturday night before picking up right where they left off… winning.
The defending Kelly Cup champions raised their fifth championship banner into the rafters at Hertz Arena before defeating the Orlando Solar Bears 3-1 in their 2026-27 season opener.
It was a night to celebrate one of the most successful stretches in ECHL history. Florida has won four Kelly Cups in the past five seasons, including last season’s championship over the Kansas City Mavericks.
For Everblades forward Isaac Nurse, who scored the double-overtime goal that clinched last season’s title in Game 6, the banner raising was another chance to reflect on a moment he will never forget.
“I think it’s just a memory that’ll have for the rest of my life,” Nurse said. “You win a championship, it’s hard to forget. It’s hard to forget the guys you won with.”
But with another championship banner hanging overhead, the focus has already shifted to winning the next one.
Head coach Brad Ralph, who has guided Florida to four Kelly Cup titles, said the feeling of winning a championship is what continues to motivate his players.
“When you win a championship, it’s a feeling that you can explain. It’s the best feeling you can have as a hockey player and as a hockey coach,” Ralph said. “So really, you’re kind of chasing that feeling again.”
That championship mentality carried into Saturday’s opener.
Broten Sabo opened the scoring in the first period before Craig Needham doubled Florida’s lead in the second. Ben Brar added a third-period goal, while Orlando’s Aaron Luchuk scored with 10 seconds remaining to spoil the shutout.
Everblades goaltender Cam Johnson made 17 saves as Florida outshot Orlando 32-18.
The new season also brings a new NHL affiliation with the Pittsburgh Penguins, along with several new faces joining a roster that includes 10 returning members of last season’s championship team.
For Nurse, the opportunity to chase another title in front of the Southwest Florida faithful makes the start of the season even more special.
“This is the best fan base in this league,” Nurse said. “To be back here playing in front of them, with the group we have today, it’s going to be awesome.”
The Everblades return to action Sunday, visiting the Solar Bears in Orlando for a 5 p.m. matchup.