Solar Bears take point in 5-4 OT loss to Swamp Rabbits

Watling scores goal, assist for Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Solar Bears (17-10-4-0) came away with a point, but ultimately fell to the Greenville Swamp Rabbits  (16-12-2-0) by a 5-4 score in overtime on Friday night at the ARS.com Rink at Amway Center.

Click here for the box score.

The Solar Bears struck first when Brenden Miller snapped a shot above the blocker of Mackenzie Skapski at 13:26.

Trevor Gerling evened the score at 16:23 on the power play when he slid the puck underneath Kasimir Kaskisuo from the right circle to make it 1-1.

Orlando pulled ahead late in the frame when Taylor Doherty made his way behind the Greenville net and freed the puck up before sending it across the crease for Patrick Watling to hammer home at 19:49.

Connor Gaarder then made it 3-1 just 51 seconds into the middle frame when he redirected a shot by Doherty at the right point beneath the pads of Skapski.

Greenville answered with two goals from Justin DaSilva, as the defenseman blasted a shot from the high slot above Kaskisuo at 2:57, and then snapped a shot from the left circle over the goalie’s glove at 6:35.

Orlando gained another lead when Tony Cameranesi made his way down the right side and roofed a shot over Skapski’s glove at 14:31, but the Swamp Rabbits found another tying score when Angelo Miceli found Joe Houk in the slot, who then beat Kaskisuo low stick side at 15:42.

As a scoreless third period wound down Miller sent a streaking pass from the defensive zone ahead to Denver Manderson at the red line. The forward gained some space and made his way down the right wing, but his potential game-changing shot hit the post as the final seconds ticked off the clock, forcing overtime.

The Swamp Rabbits prevailed at 1:14 of the extra period when Brandon Alderson barreled into the offensive zone while shaking loose a backchecking Cameranesi before switching to his forehand and beating Kaskisuo to win the game for the visitors.

Kaskisuo took the overtime loss with 30 saves on 35 shots against; Skapski picked up the victory with 31 stops on 35 shots against.

Three Stars:1) Brandon Alderson – GRN2) Patrick Watling – ORL3) Justin DaSilva – GRN

NEXT HOME GAMES:

• Coors Light Countdown to New Year’s – Solar Bears vs. Greenville Swamp Rabbits – Saturday, Dec. 31 – 4 p.m. – fans can purchase BOGO tickets for as little as $16 at orlandosolarbearshockey.com/coors
• Solar Bears vs. Manchester Monarchs – Tuesday, Jan. 3 – 7 p.m. – Only 2016-17 regular season meeting against North Division-leading Manchester
• Military Appreciation Night & Patriotic Jersey – Solar Bears vs. Florida Everblades – Saturday, Jan. 21 – 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.