Solar Bears pick up point in five-round shootout with Admirals

Orlando gets five of six points against Norfolk

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Solar Bears (26-18-6-3) picked up a point but were unable to complete their series sweep of the Norfolk Admirals (19-28-4-0) as the home team fell by a 3-2  score in the shootout on Sunday afternoon at the ARS.com Rink at Amway Center.

Click here for the box score.

T.J. Foster gave the visitors the 1-0 lead with the lone goal scored in the first period as the former Solar Bears forward retrieved a loose puck at the corner and made his way towards the front of the net before backhanding a shot past Kasimir Kaskisuo at 4:56.

Ben Danford tied the score in the third period as he made his way down the right side and snapped a shot past the blocker of Philippe Desrosiers at 5:02.

Alex Gacek then made it 2-1 when he grabbed a hold of a loose puck in the slot and beat Desrosiers to the blocker side at 7:30.

The Admirals pulled Desrosiers for an extra skater late in the contest while already on the power play, and the visitors converted on the 6-on-4 advantage when Foster jammed the puck between Kaskisuo and the left post during a goalmouth scramble at 18:47.

After the conlusion of regulation, neither team scored in the five-minute overtime frame, sending the game to the penalty shot contest.

After Orlando elected to shoot first, Frankie Simonelli won the game for the Admirals in the bottom of the fifth round when he elevated a backhand shot past the blocker of a sprawling Kaskisuo.

Kaskisuo took the shootout loss for Orlando with 40 saves on 42 shots against; Desrosiers also made 40 stops on 42 shots against.

Three Stars:1) T.J. Foster – NOR2) Chris Crane – ORL3) Alex Gacek – ORL

NEXT HOME GAMES:

• Solar Bears vs. Atlanta Gladiators – Wednesday, Feb. 22 – 7 p.m.
• Solar Bears vs. Atlanta Gladiators – Friday, Feb. 24 – 7 p.m. – Country Music Night
• Solar Bears vs. Atlanta Gladiators – Sunday, Feb. 16 – 1:30 p.m. – FAIRWINDS Solar Bears Sunday

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.