The Eagles, who were in their second year of a minor-league affiliation with the Colorado Avalanche, are the fourth team in the league's 30-year history to be back-to-back champions, joining the Allen Americans (2015-16), Toledo Walleye (1993-94) and Hampton Roads (1991-92).
After forcing the series to extend to a seventh contest with a 4-2 victory in Game 6 on Wednesday, the Eagles did not get their first lead of the decisive matchup until the closing minutes as Colorado forward Gabriel Verpaelst scored the series-winning tally, a shorthanded goal, with 2:29 remaining in regulation.
Avalanche prospect and Eagles goaltender Joe Cannata made 30 saves in the win, including 11 in the third period. In 24 postseason contests, he owned a 2.55 goals-against average and a .913 save percentage. During the regular campaign, he tied for the ECHL lead with a .931 save percentage and was fifth among netminders with a 2.22 goals-against average.
In Game 7, Florida recorded the only goal of the first stanza but Colorado's Michael Joly evened the score on a breakaway, registering the lone marker for the second frame. The Everblades regained the lead early in the third but Avs prospect Travis Barron scored the game-tying goal.
Barron took a tough-angle shot from the left circle that went off of Florida netminder Martin Ouellette's pad and into the net for his second career professional goal. Barron joined the Eagles in the first round of the playoffs after signing a three-year, entry-level contract with the Avs in March. He recorded seven points (two goals, five assists) in 20 postseason contests.
