Solar Bears to host Orlando United Night on Saturday, Oct. 22

Presented by Auto Justice Attorney Michael T. Gibson, P.A.

ORLANDO, Fla. — On Opening Night, Saturday, Oct. 22, the Orlando Solar Bears will honor those affected by the Pulse Nightclub tragedy. Orlando United Night, presented by Auto Justice Attorney Michael T. Gibson, P.A., will celebrate the Central Florida community coming together and recognize the efforts of Orlando's first responders.

“The tragedy of the Pulse Nightclub shooting has affected our entire community. As a firm, we have tried in every way possible to do our part and assist our friends and neighbors in the healing process,” Gibson said. “We hope that sponsoring this night dedicated to honor the ones we lost is another step in that process. We appreciate the Orlando Solar Bears efforts in doing the same.”

The Solar Bears jerseys worn in that evening’s game against the Florida Everblades will feature a design highlighting elements of the Solar Bears primary logo combined with the Orlando United Heart. The Solar Bears will host an auction for the jerseys to help raise funds for the Central Florida Foundation’s Better Together Fund.

“This is a time for our hockey and Central Florida communities to join together, reflect and remember,” Solar Bears Chairman & CEO Joseph W. Haleski said. “This evening will provide our fans, organization and our city a chance to show support and love to everyone impacted by this event.”

Additionally, the Orlando United Heart will be placed on the ice behind both nets and worn on the Solar Bears helmets for the duration of the 2016-17 season.

Furthermore, 30 percent of the proceeds from each Opening Night ticket purchased through orlandosolarbearshockey.com/united will also be donated to the Better Together Fund.

About the Better Together Fund:The Better Together Fund provides a way to help respond to the needs of our community, now and in the time to come, after the effects of the Pulse nightclub tragedy.

The fund will support four key areas:

• Gaps in the support nonprofits are providing to survivors and families
• LGBTQ, Latino, faith and other affected communities
• Underlying causes of this tragic event (not policy and advocacy)
• Other needs we cannot anticipate until we face them

The Solar Bears drop the puck on their fifth season of ECHL hockey on Saturday, Oct. 22 against the Florida Everblades at the ARS.com Rink at Amway Center. Single-game tickets are now on sale at the Amway Center box office and ticketmaster.com. Full and half-season ticket plans are now available by visiting OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.com.

The Orlando Solar Bears are the proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Toronto Maple Leafs and AHL's Toronto Marlies, and play all of their home games at the ARS.com Rink at 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 SolarBearsHockey.

Season tickets, Corporate Flex vouchers, and Group tickets are a great way to entertain employees, co-workers, clients, friends and family. For more information on all of the Solar Bears ticket packages, 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/.

To read the Solar Bears Report to the Community, .