Solar Bears battle back to earn point in 3-2 OT loss to Everblades

Bubela tallies power-play goal

ESTERO, Fla. – The Solar Bears (24-18-6-2) battled back to earn a point but ultimately fell in overtime to the Florida Everblades (33-9-2-3) by a 3-2 score in their ninth Wawa Sunshine Cup Series meeting of the season on Wednesday night at Germain Arena.

Click here for the box score.

Both teams played through a scoreless first period, with Orlando successfully killing off a 5-on-3 sequence when Darik Angeli was whistled for hooking at 16:46 and Chris Crane was sent to the penalty box for boarding at 17:15. The Everblades threw several shots on goal, but were foiled each time by a stalwart defense and strong play from Ryan Massa, who spent an entire sequence without his goaltender’s stick when it became ensnared in the pants of Florida’s Curt Gogol.

After Gogol was tossed from the game early in the second period following an illegal hit on Austin Block, the Solar Bears were awarded a five-minute power play, but this time Massa’s counterpart at the opposite end of the ice, Anthony Peters, provided several quality saves for the hosts.

The Everblades broke the scoring drought when Evan Bloodoff redirected a centering pass from the left corner by John McCarron at 15:22.

Orlando responded when Alex Gacek intercepted a pass in the attacking zone and cut behind the net of Peters and then floated a pass into the high slot for Ben Danford to fire home at 18:15.

Florida re-took the lead when Clark Bishop made his way down the left side and sent a drop pass to Mike Ferrantino, who wristed a shot over the glove of Massa at 18:46.

The Solar Bears evened the score when Milos Bubela scored on the power play at 6:23, as Shane Conacher fed Bubela at the left corner, and Bubela fired a shot over the blocker of Peters.

The Everblades won it in the extra session when Matt Berry slid the puck ahead to a cycling Zack Kamrass, who squeaked the puck through the pads of Massa at 2:58

Massa took the overtime loss with 33 saves on 36 shots against; Peters earned the victory with 41 stops on 43 shots against.

Three Stars:1) Anthony Peters – FLA2) Zack Kamrass –FLA3) Ryan Massa – ORL

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.

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.