Solar Bears close out year with point in shootout against Swamp Rabbits

Massa makes 41 saves for Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Solar Bears (17-10-3-1) earned a point as they closed out 2016 with a 4-3 shootout loss to the Greenville Swamp Rabbits (17-12-2-0) on Saturday evening at the ARS.com Rink at Amway Center. Orlando currently sits only four points behind the Florida Everblades for first place in the South Division.

Click here for the box score.

The Solar Bears manufactured their first goal of the game when Denver Manderson sent a forward pass behind a Greenville defender, and Joe Perry squeezed a shot through the legs of Jeff Malcolm at 6:06.

Brenden Miller added to Orlando’s totals with his second goal in as many nights after he collected a loose puck in the slot and wristed it past the blocker of Malcolm at 9:31.

The Swamp Rabbits got on the board with a 5-on-3 power-play goal when Joe Houk used a screen in front of Ryan Massa to snap the puck over the goalie’s blocker at 12:53.

Greenville found the tying score on a delayed penalty during the second period when Tommy Thompson redirected a pass from Brandon Alderson past a sprawling Massa at 8:22.

The Solar Bears pulled ahead in the third period during a 5-on-3 man advantage when Eric Faille one-timed a pass from Miller past Malcolm at 5:51. Denver Manderson’s assist on the goal marked his 100th career point for Orlando.

The Swamp Rabbits tied the game late in the frame with Malcolm pulled for an extra skater as Houk jammed the puck over the goal line during a scramble in the crease at 19:19.

The score remained tied at 3-3 through a back-and-forth overtime, requiring the game to be decided in a shootout.

Greenville prevailed in the third round of the shootout when Malcolm stopped Patrick Watling and Paul Zanette beat Massa.

Massa took the shootout loss with 41 saves on 44 shots against; Malcolm picked up the win 38 stops on 39 shots against.

Three Stars:1) Paul Zanette – GRN2) Joe Perry – ORL3) Austin Block – ORL

NEXT HOME GAMES:

• 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.
• Solar Bears vs. Allen Americans – Thursday, Jan. 26 – 7 p.m. – First-ever meeting between Orlando and the defending back-to-back Kelly Cup champions

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.