Weekly Report: January 23, 2017

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Solar Bears take on the back-to-back Kelly Cup champion Allen Americans in a pair of games this week at the ARS.com Rink at Amway Center. This is the first time the Solar Bears will play the Americans; Allen has won four consecutive championships dating back to its tenure in the Central Hockey League.

THIS WEEK:

Thursday, Jan. 26 – 7 p.m.ARS.com Rink at Amway Center – Orlando, Fla.Orlando Solar Bears vs. Allen AmericansPromotion: Thirsty Thursday, presented by Ferg’s Depot on Church Street – Fans can take advantage of $2 Coors Light drafts before and after Thursday’s game, along with food specials at Ferg’s Depot on Church Street. Fans can purchase discounted game tickets for as low as $14 at orlandosolarbearshockey.com/fergs. If Orlando scores the first goal of the game, fans can bring their tickets to Ferg’s after the game to receive a free special Solar Bears appetizer with the purchase of a beverage.

Fans can also enjoy $5 domestic draft beers during Thursday’s game throughout the Amway Center.

Sunday, Jan. 29 – 1:30 p.m.ARS.com Rink at Amway Center – Orlando, Fla.Orlando Solar Bears vs. Allen AmericansPromotion: University of Central Florida Knights vs. University of Florida Gators – Following the Solar Bears game, the UCF Knights will take on the Florida Gators hockey team – Admission for the UCF vs. Florida game requires the purchase of a ticket to the game featuring the Solar Bears against the Americans. Puck drop for the Knights vs. Gators game will take place at approximately 4:30 p.m. Fans can show their support of the UCF Knights hockey program by purchasing tickets at orlandosolarbearshockey.com/knights or show support for the Florida Gators hockey program at orlandosolarbearshockey.com/gators.

Orlando20-15-4-2, 46 points3rd place, South Division

Allen Americans25-15-2-1, 53 points1st place, Mountain Division

LAST WEEK: 0-2-0-0

Friday, Jan. 20 – Florida 7, Orlando 2After falling behind 4-0, the Solar Bears received goals from Patrick Watling and Chase Witala, but it was not enough as the Everblades tacked on three more goals and the Solar Bears completed their seven-game road trip with a loss. Jay Williams made his debut for Orlando after replacing Kasimir Kaskisuo in the second period; the goalie was acquired the previous week in a trade with Atlanta.

Saturday, Jan. 21 – Florida 5, Orlando 2The Solar Bears were back in action less than 24 hours later against Florida on home ice. Darik Angeli got Orlando on the board in the second period, and Eric Baier followed that up with a shorthanded goal late in the frame, but the Solar Bears were unable to close the gap, and Florida’s Brendan O’Donnell completed a hat trick with a power-play tally in the third period.

BEAR TRACKS:

Brouillard Showing Willingness to Drop the GlovesRookie defenseman Nikolas Brouillard is not only in the league’s top 20 among defensemen in points, but the blueliner also leads the top 20 scoring defensemen in penalty minutes with 60, after receiving fighting majors in two of his last six games.

Baier Two Points Away from 100With his shorthanded goal on Saturday, Eric Baier is now only two points away from reaching 100 in his career with Orlando. The franchise’s all-time games played leader has 32 goals and 66 assists over 213 games during his tenure with the Solar Bears, and could become the first defenseman in team history to reach the mark should, joining Jacob Cepis (112), Denver Manderson (108) and Eric Faille (102).

A Closer Look at the Power PlayDespite Orlando’s struggles on the man advantage against the Everblades, the Solar Bears’ power play unit is actually operating at a very successful rate against other opponents. Orlando has converted on 32 of 151 chances in non-Florida games for a 21.2% conversion rate, which would place the Solar Bears in seventh overall in the league. The Solar Bears have also continued to demonstrate their ability on the penalty kill as well, as Orlando has tallied an Eastern Conference-leading 10 goals while playing down a man.

EYE ON THE AHL:

• Tony Cameranesi – Cameranesi had a quiet week for Toronto, recording four shots on goal and a +1 over three games.
• Taylor Doherty – Doherty recorded no points on the week with the Providence Bruins.
• Eric Faille – The forward earned an assist in each of Toronto’s games on Friday and Saturday, his first points in the AHL this season.
• Brett Findlay – After going without a point in his first six games with the Marlies, Findlay enjoyed a breakout week with Toronto, as he recorded a natural hat trick in Friday’s 7-4 win at Hartford, and added another goal in Saturday’s 4-3 loss at Bridgeport.
• Ethan Werek – Werek skated in four games with Texas last week, tallying an assist in the Stars’ 4-3 win on Wednesday vs. Manitoba.

PRACTICE SCHEDULE:Monday, Jan. 23 – 10-11 a.m. – RDV Sportsplex Ice DenTuesday, Jan. 24 – 10:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. – RDV Sportsplex Ice denWednesday, Jan. 25 – 10:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. – RDV Sportsplex Ice DenThursday, Jan. 26 – Gameday skate at ARS.com Rink at Amway CenterFriday, Jan. 27 – 10:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. – RDV Sportsplex Ice DenPractice locations and times are subject to change

Fans and media are invited to attend all on-ice practice sessions held at the RDV Sportsplex Ice Den, the official training facility of the Solar Bears. Flash photography and unauthorized video recording of Orlando Solar Bears practice sessions is not permitted. The RDV Sportsplex Ice Den is located at 8701 Maitland Summit Blvd., Orlando, FL 32810.

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 – Thirsty Thursday presented by Ferg’s Depot on Church Street
• 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. – Thirsty Thursday presented by Ferg’s Depot on Church Street

APP: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.

ON THE AIR:Orlandosolarbearshockey.com is now the broadcast home of the Solar Bears via the Mixlr streaming service. Radio broadcasts of Solar Bears games can be streamed online for free on any PC or mobile device. Pay-per-view video webcasts of all Solar Bears games are also available at ECHL.TV.

Single-game tickets for the 2016-17 season 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 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 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.