Solar Bears move into first place following 3-2 OT loss to Wings

Orlando holds tiebreaker over Florida Everblades

KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The Orlando Solar Bears (16-7-3-0) fought back to tie the score twice in regulation but could not overcome the Kalamazoo Wings (10-15-0-2) as they fell in a 3-2 overtime decision on Saturday night at Wings Event Center. The overtime point from the loss, coupled with the Florida Everblades’ 3-2 loss in regulation to the Atlanta Gladiators this evening, moves Orlando into first place in the ECHL’s South Division, as Orlando holds the tie-breaker over Florida by possessing more non-shootout wins (16) than their in-state rival (15).

Click here for the box score.

Anthony Camara got the Wings on the board in the first period when he backhanded his own rebound past Kasimir Kaskisuo at 13:53.

Eric Faille tied the score in the second period when Eric Baier dished the puck ahead for Faille who made his way down the wing and blasted a slap shot under the glove of Joel Martin at 4:59.

The Wings pulled ahead again on the power-play after Tanner Sorensen fired a wrist shot at the left hash-mark at 11:17.

Orlando responded with a goal from Brett Findlay who drove the middle of the ice and made his way past a Kalamazoo defender before faking out Martin and shooting low to the goalie’s blocker side at 14:50.

The third period featured both goaltenders making an number of point-blank acrobatic saves to preserve the 2-2 deadlock, forcing overtime after 60 minutes.

Near the conclusion of the extra period, Sorenson fed the puck ahead to Justin Taylor, who shifted to his backhand and got a shot past the glove of Kaskisuo at 4:13 to win the game for the home team.

Kaskisuo took the overtime loss for Orlando with 35 saves on 38 shots against; Martin picked up the victory with 45 stops on 47 shots against.

Three Stars:1) Joel Martin – KAL2) Justin Taylor – KAL3) Tanner Sorenson – KAL

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.