Solar Bears earn point in 2-1 OT loss to Swamp Rabbits

Ryan Massa makes career-high 44 saves for Orlando

Photo credit: Mike Burton / Swamp Rabbits

GREENVILLE, S.C. – The Orlando Solar Bears (2-2-1-0) received a career-high 44 saves from goaltender Ryan Massa and earned a point in the standings, but fell in overtime by a 2-1 score to the Greenville Swamp Rabbits (3-2-0-0) on Thursday afternoon at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena.

Click here for the box score.

After a scoreless first period, the Swamp Rabbits got on the board first in the middle period when Brandon Alderson hammered a slapshot from the high slot off the crossbar past Massa at 8:43.

The Solar Bears answered with a power-play goal at 10:28 when Cason Hohmann won a faceoff back to Adam Brace, and the winger cranked a shot past Brandon Halverson.

Massa and Halverson both continued to turn in save after save over the remainder of regulation, but the score remained tied at the end of 60 minutes, sending Orlando to its first overtime contest of the season.

Both teams traded chances in the extra session, but it was Greenville that came away with the victory when Paul Zanette made his way to the front of the Orlando net and tucked the puck through Massa’s blocker and left leg pad at 4:06 of overtime.

Massa took the overtime defeat with 44 saves on 46 shots against; Halverson earned the win with 36 stops on 37 shots against.

Three Stars:

3) Brandon Alderson – GRN2) Brandon Halverson – GRN1) Paul Zanette – GRN

The Orlando Solar Bears rematch with the Greenville Swamp Rabbits on Friday, Nov. 4 at 7 p.m. at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. 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 orlandosolarbearshockey.com/groups.

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