The Florida Everblades will face the Kansas City Mavericks in the 2026 Kelly Cup Finals, beginning Friday, June 5, in Independence, Missouri.
The best-of-seven series is a rematch of the 2024 Finals, which the Everblades won 4-1.
Florida is chasing its fourth championship in five years.
The roster includes several players with previous Kelly Cup titles, as well as others seeking their first professional trophy.
Assistant coach Kyle Mountain, who joined the Everblades last summer, said the opportunity to compete for a title was a key reason for his move.
"A big part of why I came here was to have this opportunity and be with this group to have a chance to win a championship," Mountain said.
He previously served as an assistant and head coach for the Greenville Swamp Rabbits.
Mountain acknowledged the history between the two teams.
"I know there's a lot of history between the two teams, between the coaches and some of the players involved.
So I think there is some familiarity there," he said.
Key Players and Team Strengths
Forward Anthony Romano leads the postseason with 11 goals. Teammates Carson Gicewicz and Kyle Betts are also chasing their first professional title.
Playoff assists leader Hudson Elyniuk won the Kelly Cup in 2019 with the Newfoundland Growlers.
"We have such a special bond in this room, and everyone's bought in," Elyniuk said.
Captain Oliver Chau holds two Kelly Cup titles, while defensemen Cole Moberg and Jordan Sambrook have also won twice.
Goaltender Cam Johnson anchors the defense with a 1.35 goals-against average in the playoffs after leading the regular season at 1.84.
"It's what Cam does," Mountain said. "It's the foundation of this team and their success."
The Everblades' defensive unit allowed fewer than two goals per game during the regular season and has conceded 20 goals in 14 playoff games.
Kansas City has allowed 31 goals in the postseason.
The Mavericks won the Brabham Cup with 115 regular-season points and defeated the Fort Wayne Komets in overtime in Game 6 of the conference finals.
Florida advanced by beating the Wheeling Nailers in five games.
Mountain described Kansas City as "really dynamic" offensively, with depth in their forward group, a strong defense, and good goaltending.
"They've got a good culture in place as well," he added.
2026 Kelly Cup Finals Schedule
- Game 5: Friday, June 13 at Florida, 7 p.m.
