Solar Bears stymied by Everblades in 5-2 loss

Angeli, Baier score for Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Solar Bears (20-15-4-2) fell to the Florida Everblades (27-8-1-2) by a 5-2 score in a Wawa Sunshine Cup Series match in front of 8,140 on Saturday night at the ARS.com Rink at Amway Center.

Click here for the box score.

Akim Aliu converted on a 5-on-3 power play for the Everblades at 2:14 of the first period to open the scoring for the visitors.

Matt Hatch then netted a shorthanded goal for Florida at 7:11 when he blocked a shot from Brenden Miller and sped down the ice before beating Ryan Massa.

Brendan O’Donnell widened the lead to three goals when he made his way down the right side and ramped the puck over Massa’s stick at 8:52 as the goaltender attempted to poke-check the puck away.

O’Donnell netted his second of the contest in the middle frame when he hammered a drop pass from Michael Kirkpatrick at the left circle inside the right post at 5:33.

The Solar Bears showed some signs of life when Milos Bubela carried the puck into the offensive zone and left it for Darik Angeli in the high slot, allowing the forward to wrist his shot underneath Anthony Peters’ blocker at 10:30.

Orlando pulled back to within two goals when Eric Baier intercepted a failed Everblades clearing attempt at the right circle and cut around Chase Golightly before roofing a shot into the top corner of the net at the 18-minute mark for a shorthanded tally.

The Solar Bears continued to apply pressure in the third period, outshooting Florida by an 17-11 margin in the final 20 minutes of regulation, but were unable to solve Peters, and O’Donnell capped the scoring with a hat-trick goal at 16:55 during a goalmouth scramble.

Massa took the loss with 34 saves on 39 shots against in 23:31 of action; Peters picked up the win stopping 44 of 46.

Three Stars:1) Brendan O’Donnell – FLA2) Anthony Peters – FLA3) Brant Harris – FLA

NEXT HOME GAMES:

• 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
• Solar Bears vs. Greenville Swamp Rabbits – Thursday, Feb. 2 – 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 mobile app, presented by BB&T, gives 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 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.