Solar Bears conclude weekend with loss to Eagles

Angeli scores for Orlando

LOVELAND, Colo. – The Orlando Solar Bears (18-12-4-2) concluded their weekend series against the Colorado Eagles (21-10-1-3) with a 5-1 loss on Sunday evening at the Budweiser Events Center.

Click here for the box score.

Following a scoreless first period, the Solar Bears took a 1-0 lead in the second frame when Austin Block retrieved the puck beneath the goal line and sent a pass back to Darik Angeli, who buried the feed behind Clarke Saunders at 6:19 for a shorthanded tally and his first goal with Orlando.

Shawn St-Amant tied the score for Colorado when he recovered the puck in the neutral zone and fired a wrist shot at the left circle to beat Kasimir Kaskisuo at 12:39.

The Eagles took control in the third period when Josh Nicholls put the hosts ahead after he backhanded a Matt Garbowsky rebound past Kaskisuo at 7:31 of the third period.

Casey Pierro-Zabotel extended Colorado’s lead at 9:57 when he teamed up with Luke Salazar on a give-and-go and fired the puck past Kaskisuo.

The Eagles received power-play goals from Jesse Mychan at 12:18 and Michael Colantone at 17:26 to cap the scoring and close out regulation.

Kaskisuo took the loss with 24 saves on 29 shots against; Saunders earned up the victory with 27 stops on 28 shots against.

The Solar Bears will travel to Anchorage, Alaska, where the team will face the Alaska Aces for the first time in team history, beginning on Wednesday, Jan. 11 at 11:15 p.m. ET at Sullivan Arena.

Three Stars:1) Luke Salazar – COL2) Matt Garbowsky – COL3) Shawn St-Amant – COL

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.

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.