Game Preview: Solar Bears at Aces - Jan. 11, 2017

Solar Bears Game 37 • Away Game 18 • ECHL Game 461

WHO: Orlando Solar Bears (18-12-4-2) at Alaska Aces (19-9-1-4)VENUE: Sullivan Arena, Anchorage, AlaskaDATE: Wednesday, Jan. 11, 11:15 p.m. ETWATCH: ECHL.TVLISTEN: Listen on KFQD 750 AM / 103.7 FMTONIGHT:The Orlando Solar Bears visit the Alaska Aces for the first time in their history. The Aces are one of three teams along with South Carolina and the defunct Hampton Roads Admirals franchise to earn three ECHL postseason championships. However, the Aces are in the midst of a two-year playoff drought.

SERIES TO LIKELY SHOWCASE FAST-PACED OFFENSE:This three-game set for Orlando and Alaska promises to be a display of two of the more offensive-minded teams in the league. Each squad leads their respective conference in shots on goal, with Orlando tops in the ECHL at 36.78, while Alaska leads the West with 33.42.

CRANE HAS SCORING EXPERIENCE AGAINST ACES:Dating back to last season during his time with the Allen Americans, Chris Crane has shown the capability to generate offense against the Aces. Since the 2015-16 campaign, Crane has skated in five games against Alaska, logging five goals and two assists.

FAILLE COULD SET NEW CAREER GOAL-SCORING MARK:Eric Faille is currently poised to take over sole possession of the team’s all-time goal scoring record, a distinction he currently shares with forward Brett Findlay at 38 career goals each with Orlando. Findlay has been playing with the Toronto Marlies since his Dec. 23 recall to the Solar Bears’ AHL affiliate.

CONTAINING ACES’ SIVAK WILL BE KEY FOR SOLAR BEARS:As the Solar Bears head into this series, one key to victory will be holding Aces winger Peter Sivak off the scoresheet. The winger leads the league with 25 goals, six of which have been game-winners. However, Alaska is 1-8-1-2 when Sivak has failed to register a point in games – if the Solar Bears can keep him in check, it greatly increases their chances of earning a win.

HEAD TO HEADOverall: 0-0-0-0Home: 0-0-0-0Road: 0-0-0-02015-16 Overall: 0-0-0-02015-16 Home: 0-0-0-02015-16 Away: 0-0-0-0Last 5 Years: 0-0-0-0Last 5 Years Home: 0-0-0-0Last 5 Years Away: 0-0-0-0

ACTIVE LEADERSPoints: Faille – 38Goals: Perry – 18Assists: Manderson – 25+/-: Manderson – +15PIM: Miller – 45SOG: Faille – 133

BEAR TRACKER

• Baier: Four points from 100 career Solar Bears points (31g-65a)
• Crane: Two points from 100 career ECHL points (53g-45a)
• Faille: Two points from 100 career Solar Bears points (38g-60a)

STREAKS

• Angeli: 2-game point streak (1g-1a)
• Block: 3-game assist streak (4a)
• Brouillard: 3-game point streak (1g-3a)

AFFILIATE NOTES:The Toronto Marlies face the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins at Ricoh Coliseum tonight at 7 p.m., while the Toronto Maple Leafs are off until Friday, when they visit the New York Rangers.

APP: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.

NEXT HOME GAMES:

• 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
• Solar Bears vs. Allen Americans - Sunday, Jan. 29 - 1:30 p.m. – UCF vs. UF game following Solar Bears game

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.