Solar Bears bitten by Swamp Rabbits in 5-2 loss

Bubela, Perry score for Orlando

GREENVILLE, S.C. – The Orlando Solar Bears (24-17-5-2) fell to the Greenville Swamp Rabbits (26-18-4-1) by a 5-2 score on Saturday night at Bon Secours Wellness Arena.

Click here for the box score.

Milos Bubela gave the Solar Bears the lead at 12:15 during a power play when a pass from beneath the goal line by a Greenville defender was intercepted by Bubela at the right circle, and the rookie immediately fired a shot over the glove of Mackenzie Skapski for his first career goal with Orlando.

Brandon Alderson tied the score when Bretton Cameron backhanded a pass through the slot, allowing Alderson to one-time a shot past Kasimir Kaskisuo at 14:34.

Orlando fell behind when Michael Joly recovered a rebound off a pad save by Kaskisuo on Justin DaSilva and slid the puck underneath the goaltender to make it 2-1 in favor of the home team at 16:04.

Both teams played through a scoreless second period, but the Swamp Rabbits extended their lead with a converted penalty shot goal by Joly after he was hauled down by Brenden Miller at 9:50 of the third period, and Angelo Miceli extended the host’s lead to three goals when he buried a chance on a 2-on-1 situation at 10:15.

Joe Perry kept Orlando’s hopes for a rally alive when he netted his team-leading 25th goal of the season at 15:55 following a defensive turnover from the Swamp Rabbits, as the sniper snapped a low shot from between the hash marks past Skapski’s glove.

Tristan King foiled any chances of an Orlando comeback when he capped the scoring with an empty-net marker at 18:01.

Kaskisuo took the loss with 25 saves on 29 shots against; Skapski earned the victory with 37 stops on 39 shots against.

Three Stars:1) Michael Joly – GRN2) Mackenzie Skapski – GRN3) Brandon Alderson – GRN

NEXT HOME GAMES:

• 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.
• 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.

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.