Everblades shut out Savannah 2-0 in first game of Kelly Cup Playoffs

ESTERO, Fla. (WINK)—The Florida Everblades are back on home ice for the Kelly Cup Playoffs, looking to turn last year's disappointment into a deep postseason run and win the Kelly Cup four times in the last five years.

WINK Sports reporter Lauren Halpern was at game one with all the action. A new playoff run begins in Estero, but for the Everblades, the message is simple: don't get caught up in the moment.

"I think we're definitely hungry. I think we can learn from last year, and then kind of the mistakes and the wisdom that comes with playing playoff hockey," said Oliver Chau, captain of the Florida Everblades.

Even with high stakes, this group is leaning on experience. Connor Doherty, defenseman for the Florida Everblades, emphasized the team's approach.

"I think we just need to play our game. Kind of get on them early, you know, they're going to come out with a lot of energy. I think just the adrenaline everyone gets for game one is going to go both ways," Doherty said.

Head Coach Brad Ralph knows game one always comes with a little uncertainty. But he says this team is ready to write its own story.

"You know, for both teams, it's 0-0, it's a new season and we're excited," Ralph said.

And it's not just the guys on the ice—fans are ready for this series too. Halpern received a practice puck signed by the team's mascot, Swampie, from a fan at the game.

Loud is an understatement. This crowd doesn't just watch—they show up, especially in Section 113 where superfan Bruce Gorniak has been building something special for years.

What started with one gator in 2010 has turned into a full-blown display of Everblades history. Gorniak shared what makes the experience so special.

"The way the players pull off things that you don't think they can pull off. It's a group effort for everybody, including the fans supporting the players. It is awesome," Gorniak said.

And for this team, that support isn't just background noise—it's fuel. The Everblades pulled off a 2-0 win against the Savannah Ghost Pirates to start the series off strong, with Cam Johnson recording a 29-save shutout.