ECHL hockey: Everblades claim South Division title

The Florida Everblades claimed the South Division title on Wednesday night with a 6-2 win over the Kalamazoo Wings at Germain Arena.

Florida struck first just under two minutes into the first period as Brendan O'Donnell found the back of the net for the 37th time this season.

In the second period, Kalamazoo evened the game off a goal from Kyle Blaney with an assist by Peter Schneider at the 7:32 mark. Five minutes later, Brant Harris gave the Blades the lead with a goal assisted by Mike Marcou and O'Donnell. Florida's John McCarron added another goal a minute later, assisted by Matt Berry and Matt Hatch. At the 18:39 mark, Curt Gogol scored on a power play with assists from Berry and Mike Ferrantino to give Florida a 4-1 lead.

The Wings added another goal six minutes into the third period off a goal from Michael Trebish, but the Blades extended their lead with another goal from Harris nine minutes in. Four minutes later, Berry capped off the game with another goal, assisted by Kyle Pereira and McCarron. The Everblades out-shot the Wings 37-24.

The Everblades (43-19-2-3) will host Kalamazoo again on Friday at 7:30 p.m.