Solar Bears jump back into second place following 3-2 win over Swamp Rabbits

Perry nets game-winner for Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. – Joe Perry scored his team-leading 22nd goal of the season to break a third-period tie and the Orlando Solar Bears (22-15-5-2) jumped back into second place in the South Division following a 3-2 victory over the Greenville Swamp Rabbits (23-17-4-1) on Thursday night at the ARS.com Rink at Amway Center.

Click here for the box score.

The Solar Bears opened the first period with a goal from Mason Marchment at 8:07, after the rookie jammed home a rebound off a point shot from Brenden Miller that deflected off of the pads of Mackenzie Skapski.

The Swamp Rabbits responded when Angelo Miceli received a pass off the half-wall from Michael Joly and made his way toward the slot before firing a shot underneath the blocker of Kasimir Kaskisuo at 9:39.

Darik Angeli gave Orlando a 2-1 lead when Ben Danford retrieved his own rebound and brought the puck behind the Greenville net and up along the left circle before he floated a pass behind a pair of Swamp Rabbits, allowing Angeli to backhand a shot between Skapski and the left post at 11:59, extending Angeli’s point streak to four games (2g-3a).

Greenville evened the score at 2-2 in the second period during a 5-on-3 situation when Trevor Gerling deflected a point shot from Desmond Bergin past Kaskisuo at 3:54.

Perry pulled Orlando ahead for good when Miller’s shot from the left point bounced off the ice and deflected off of Perry’s stick blade up and into the top of the cage at 3:02 of the third frame.

Kaskisuo picked up the victory by making 35 saves on 37 shots against; Skapski took the loss with 42 stops on 45 shots against.

With the win, Orlando picked up its 21st regulation or overtime victory of the season, matching Greenville’s total on the season; the Solar Bears hold the advantage in the second tiebreaker of goal differential, as Orlando possesses an even differential while Greenville has surrendered 19 more goals than it has scored this season.

Three Stars:1) Ben Danford – ORL2) Joe Perry – ORL3) Kasimir Kaskisuo – ORL

NEXT HOME GAMES:

• Solar Bears vs. Greenville Swamp Rabbits – Saturday, Feb. 4 – 7 p.m. – Guns n’ Hoses charity game between Central Florida Enforcers and Orange County Fire Rescue at 2 p.m., Solar Bears will wear specialty police-themed jerseys during the game against the Swamp Rabbits.
• Solar Bears vs. Norfolk Admirals – Thursday, Feb. 16 – 7 p.m. – 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.

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.