Game Preview: Solar Bears at Everblades - Feb. 15, 2017

Solar Bears Game 50 • Away Game 26 • ECHL Game 662

WHO: Orlando Solar Bears (24-18-5-2) at Florida Everblades (32-9-2-3)VENUE: Germain Arena, Estero, Fla.DATE: Wednesday, Feb. 15, 7:30 p.m.WATCH: ECHL.TVLISTEN: Listen on MixlrTONIGHT:The Orlando Solar Bears complete their recent five-game road trip with a Wawa Sunshine Cup Series meeting with the Everblades at Germain Arena. Orlando is still seeking its first road win against Florida this season.

JUTZI RETURNS TO BLUELINE:Rookie defenseman Jon Jutzi has been activated from injured reserve and is expected to be in the lineup tonight when the Solar Bears battle the Everblades. Orlando has recently been forced to deal with a significantly depleted lineup, in particular to its defensive corps, so the return of Jutzi is certainly welcome. Jutzi last suited up on Jan. 7 at Colorado and subsequently missed the next 14 games. The defenseman is tied for second among Orlando’s defenseman with a +9 rating on the season.

PERRY LEADS THE WAY:With several key players out of the lineup due to injuries and call-ups, the Solar Bears will lean heavily on Joe Perry to guide them to victory against Florida. In eight games against the Everblades, Perry has put up seven points (4g-3a).

WATLING MATCHES SEASON-HIGH POINT STREAK:Since returning to the lineup on Feb. 10 at Greenville, Patrick Watling has picked up at least a point in three consecutive games (1g-3a). This matches the length of several point streaks the third-year Solar Bears forward has put up this season.

HEAD TO HEADOverall: 2-6-0-0Home: 2-3-0-0Away: 0-3-0-02015-16 Overall: 4-10-0-02015-16 Home: 2-6-0-02015-16 Away: 2-4-0-0Last 5 Years: 26-38-2-1Last 5 Years Home: 13-19-1-0Last 5 Years Away: 13-19-1-1

ACTIVE LEADERSPoints: Manderson – 42Goals: Perry – 25Assists: Manderson – 31+/-: Block & Manderson – +11PIM: Miller – 64SOG: Perry – 135

BEAR TRACKER

• Baier: Two points from 100 career Solar Bears points (32g-66a)

STREAKS

• Watling: 3-game point streak (1g-3a)

AFFILIATE NOTES:The Toronto Marlies return to action tonight as they visit the Utica Comets for a 7 p.m. date at the Utica Memorial Auditorium. After thumping the Islanders by a 7-1 score at home last night, the Toronto Maple Leafs visit the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena at 7 p.m.

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.

NEXT HOME GAMES:

• Solar Bears vs. Norfolk Admirals - Thursday, Feb. 16 - 7 p.m. – Faith & Family Weekend presented by Auto Justice Attorney Michael T. Gibson, P.A. featuring The Master’s Academy + food drive to support The Forgotten Ones - a ministry to kids aging out of foster care

Thirsty Thursday – Fans can enjoy $5 domestic draft beers throughout the Amway Center. Fans can also 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.

• Solar Bears vs. Norfolk Admirals - Friday, Feb. 17 - 7 p.m. – Faith & Family Weekend presented by Auto Justice Attorney Michael T. Gibson, P.A. featuring The Master’s Academy + food drive to support The Forgotten Ones - a ministry to kids aging out of foster care
• Solar Bears vs. Norfolk Admirals - Sunday, Feb. 19 - 1:30 p.m. – Faith & Family Weekend presented by Auto Justice Attorney Michael T. Gibson, P.A. featuring The Master’s Academy + food drive to support The Forgotten Ones - a ministry to kids aging out of foster care

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.