SOLAR BEARS DOWNED 3-1 BY GLADIATORS

Season Series Comes to a Close on Sunday

Click here to view the box score Duluth, GA -  The Gladiators jumped out to a 3-0 lead over the Solar Bears and held them off the scoresheet for the majority of the contest to eventually take a 3-1 win over the Solar Bears at the Arena at Gwinnett Center on Friday night. The Gladiators jumped out to an early lead 7:28 into the first period. After a cross-ice pass was deflected away, D Cody Brookwell blasted a shot from the point that was partially blocked, but found a way to trickle over the line to give Gwinnett a 1-0 lead. The Gladiators increased their lead to 2-0 just 36 seconds later, when a shot from the right corner off the stick of F Justin Bowers deflected underneath the crossbar and gave Gwinnett the two goal lead going into the second period. Exactly 5:00 into the second stanza, F Scott Arnold increased the advantage for Gwinnett. Arnold collected the puck in the neutral zone, rolled it on goal, and got his own rebound before tucking the puck into the back of net to put Gwinnett up 3-0. It was the lone goal of the frame. The score remained 3-0 until late in the third period. With G Patrick Killeen pulled from the net for an extra attacker, a shot from D Derick Martin hit traffic in front of the Gladiators net, popped up in the air, and landed behind G Louie Domingue to put the Solar Bears on the board with 53 seconds left in the game. It would not be enough for the Solar Bears, as the Gladiators held on to take the 3-1 win over Orlando.3 Stars: 1. L. Domingue (GWT); 2. S. Arnold (GWT); 3. C. Brookwell (GWT)Power Plays: ORL: 0/5; GWT: 0/4Shots: ORL: 22; GWT: 40Notes:F Scott Tanski was scratched before today's game and is questionable for Sunday's matchup against Gwinnett... D Derick Martin's goal in the third period was his first of the season... F Brett Hartung earned his first professional point when he assisted on Martin's goal... Tonight's game marked just the third time in 11 meetings that the Solar Bears and Gladiators have seen a game decided by more than one goal... G Patrick Killeen took over for G Zoltan Hetenyi 5:00 into the second period, and Killeen stopped all 22 shots he faced for the remainder of the contest... Orlando plays one more road game before returning home to the Amway Center for five straight games.

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For more information call the Solar Bears Executive Offices at 407-951-8200.Get Tickets: Orlando plays one more game on the road before returning home to face the Greenville Road Warriors on Wednesday, March 20, and Thursday, March 21, at 7:00 p.m. They then face the Cincinnati Cyclones on Sunday, March 24, at 3:00 p.m. Good seats are still available. Visit www.OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.com. The Orlando Solar Bears, the ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Minnesota Wild and AHL's Houston Aeros, play all of their home games at the 2012 Street and Smith's Sports Business Journal Sports Facility of the Year, the Amway Center. Individual tickets for all regular season home games are on sale beginning as low as $15. To purchase your tickets, please visit www.OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.com or the Amway Center Box Office. Follow the Solar Bears at www.OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.com, Facebook, and Twitter (@OrlandoHockey) for all the latest news and updates. Don't get shut-out when we sell out! Take advantage of the Orlando Solar Bears season ticket pre-sale offer by placing a $50 deposit per ticket now to receive seat selection priority for the 2013-14 season. Call the Solar Bears at 407-951-8200 or visit www.OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.com. Group tickets are a great way to entertain employees, co-workers, clients, friends and family. For more information on discounted group tickets and a list of group benefits, call 407-951-8200 or click here. Officially licensed Orlando Solar Bears replica team jerseys, apparel, and headwear can be purchased online at: http://shop.orlandosolarbearshockey.com/