Everblades Capture Eastern Crown
The Florida Everblades clinched the E.A. “Bud” Gingher Trophy on Tuesday, downing the Wheeling Nailers 6‑1 in Game 5 to win the series 4‑1. The victory secures a berth in the 2026 Kelly Cup Finals, where they will meet the Western Conference champion.
Offensive firepower came from forwards Anthony Romano and Hudson Elynuik, each tallying four points over the five‑game stretch, while net‑minder Cam Johnson posted a .945 save percentage, backstopping the charge.
Florida’s playoff run has been nothing short of dominant. The club sits 12‑2 in the 2026 Kelly Cup Playoffs and marks its eighth appearance in the championship series in franchise history, a testament to sustained excellence.
The organization has already etched its name in league lore, having captured four ECHL championships, including three straight from 2022 through 2024. That legacy positions the Everblades as the team to beat heading into the finals.
The Bud Gingher Trophy honors a figure whose imprint on the ECHL remains indelible. Gingher, who chaired the league’s Board of Governors from 1992 to 1995, co‑founded the Dayton Bombers and was inducted into the ECHL Hall of Fame in 2010.