Solar Bears announce UCF vs. University of South Carolina game on Saturday, November 7

Orlando to Host First-Ever Collegiate Ice Hockey Game at Amway Center

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Solar Bears, proud affiliate of the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs and AHL’s Toronto Marlies, have announced that the University of Central Florida Knights hockey team will take on the University of South Carolina following Orlando’s 7:00 p.m. game against the Florida Everblades on Saturday, November 7. This will be the first time that collegiate hockey is to be played at the Amway Center and it wouldn’t be possible without strong partnerships in the community.

“We are excited to play a part in this exciting game,” said John Bisignano, President and CEO of the Central Florida Sports Commission. “The Solar Bears are a great community partners of ours in bringing premier events to the area and this first college game is a jumping off point for more big time hockey to come.”

“As part of our continuing effort to increase awareness for our sport, this is an incredible opportunity to highlight the incredible success that Head Coach Sean Weaver and his Knights have enjoyed over the past decade,” Solar Bears President/CEO Jason Siegel said. “We look forward to partnering on many more games in the future.”

Both UCF and USC compete in Division III of the American Collegiate Hockey Association, the governing body of collegiate club-level ice hockey. The Knights currently compete as an independent team in Division III, consistently ranking among the nation’s top squads with nice consecutive appearances in the national tournament and two third-place finishes under Head Coach Sean Weaver. The ACHA is comprised of approximately 400 teams nationwide. In recent years, former ACHA programs have been elevated to NCAA Division I status, such as Penn State University and Arizona State University.

“On behalf of my team and the University of Central Florida, I want to thank the Orlando Solar Bears for this opportunity,” Weaver said. “I know our team and hockey fans are both going to enjoy the experience of competing in a world-class venue like the Amway Center.”

Tickets purchased for the Solar Bears game against the Everblades are also good for the UCF vs. USC matchup. The Knights and Gamecocks will take the ice approximately 20 minutes following the conclusion of the Solar Bears game.

The Solar Bears open their fourth season in the ECHL, presented by Auto Justice Attorney Michael T. Gibson, P.A. on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 7:00 p.m. at the Amway Center against the Greenville Swamp Rabbits. Single-game tickets for the 2015-16 season are on sale now and can be purchased for as little as $15 at the Amway Center Box Office or online at OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.com or Ticketmaster.com.

The Orlando Solar Bears, the ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Toronto Maple Leafs and AHL's Toronto Marlies, play all of their home games at the Amway Center, the 2012 Street and Smith's Sports Business Journal Sports Facility of the Year.

Follow the Solar Bears at www.OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.com, Facebook, and Twitter (@OrlandoHockey) for all the latest news and updates. Stay in touch with Shades on Instagram by following ShadestheSolarBear.

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 visit www.orlandosolarbearshockey.com/groups.

Officially licensed Orlando Solar Bears replica team jerseys, apparel, and headwear can be purchased online at: http://store.orlandosolarbearshockey.com/.

Since beginning operations in November of 2011, the Solar Bears and their fans have helped raise over $1,300,000 for the Central Florida community. To read the Solar Bears Report to the Community, click here.