Findlay makes history as Solar Bears hammer Nailers 5-2

Forward scores 36th career goal for Orlando for new franchise record

WHEELING, W. Va. – Brett Findlay enjoyed a three-point night and took sole possession of the franchise record for goals scored with his 36th career goal in a Solar Bears uniform as the Orlando Solar Bears (15-7-2-0) hammered the Wheeling Nailers (11-9-2-0) in a 5-2 victory on Wednesday night at WesBanco Arena.

Click here for the box score.

Eric Faille blasted a shot from the right circle past Sean Maguire at 5:49 of the first period to open the scoring with a power-play goal.

Later in the period, Denver Manderson delayed Wheeling’s Josh Shalla on a breakaway, prompting the awarding of a penalty shot at 9:49. Shalla tried to fake out Ryan Massa with a head dip, but the goaltender stayed square to the shooter and made a blocker save to deny Shalla.

Cody Wydo tied the score for the hosts just 47 seconds into the middle period when he knocked home a rebound from Adam Krause past the blocker of Massa.

The Solar Bears responded with a power-play goal from Tony Cameranesi when the forward received a pass from Findlay and wristed a shot from the left circle past the glove of Maguire at 8:39, and Chase Witala made it 3-1 at 11:14 when he redirected Trevor Ludwig’s point shot into the net.

It appeared Wheeling had cut Orlando’s lead back to one goal at 18:06 when Garret Meurs made a nifty move and backhanded the shot toward the goal, but Massa lunged across the line to get his blocker on the puck and prevent it from completely crossing the goal line.

In the third period, Manderson stole the puck from a Nailers skater in the neutral zone and sent a pass along to Findlay who deked the puck through the legs of defenseman Danny Fick and backhanded the puck through the five hole of Maguire at 4:18 to tie Jacob Cepis and Brady Vail with his 35th career goal for the Solar Bears.

Later on in the frame during a penalty kill for Orlando, Findlay netted his history-making tally at 6:45 when Maguire came out to challenge Manderson at the right wall and coughed the puck up to the forechecking Manderson, who slid a pass into the slot for Findlay to sail into the open net.

The goal prompted Wheeling to replace Maguire with Doug Carr in goal – the home team did manage to get a late goal from Christian Hilbrich at 17:18, but the Solar Bears hung on for the victory.

Massa earned the win with 39 saves on 41 shots against; Maguire took the loss with 25 stops on 30 shots against in 46:45 of action, while Carr made all eight saves required of him in 13:15 of relief.

Three Stars:1) Ryan Massa – ORL2) Brett Findlay – ORL3) Eric Baier – ORL

NEXT HOME GAMES:

• Ugly Sweater jersey – Solar Bears vs. Florida Everblades – Thursday, Dec. 22 – 7 p.m.
• Solar Bears vs. Florida Everblades – Tuesday, Dec. 27 – 7 p.m.
• Solar Bears vs. Greenville Swamp Rabbits – Friday, Dec. 30 – 7 p.m.

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 Solar Bears have released a brand-new mobile app, presented by BB&T, giving Solar Bears fans everything they need right in their pocket. The app is also home to the brand-new Loyalty & Rewards Program, which provides Solar Bears fans with opportunities to accumulate points and redeem them for exclusive prizes. The new app is FREE and available for both iOS and Android devices.

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 orlandosolarbearshockey.com/shop.