Solar Bears blanked 2-0 by Grizzlies

Utah’s Ryan Faragher makes 39 saves

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Solar Bears (30-21-6-3) completed their 10-game homestand with a 2-0 loss to the Utah Grizzlies (29-25-5-2) on Sunday afternoon at the ARS.com Rink at Amway Center.

Click here for the box score.

The Grizzlies struck first as Travis Howe swept an Austin Brassard rebound past Ryan Massa from the bottom of the left circle at 1:29. The goal brought an end to Massa’s shutout streak, in which the goaltender had not surrendered a goal over his last 158:39 of play dating back to Orlando’s Feb. 17 matchup with Norfolk.

The Solar Bears began the second period staring down a 5-on-3 penalty kill, and shortly after Daniel Maggio exited the box, Utah’s Colin Martin directed a feed from Cam Reid through the legs of Massa at 1:19.

Midway through the frame, Maggio worked the fans into a frenzy when he squared off against Howe at the Utah blueline, as both players traded blows before Maggio got the upper hand and took the Utah enforcer down to the ice at 10:30.

The Solar Bears gained a 5-on-3 power play of their own halfway through the third period, but Grizzlies goaltender Ryan Faragher and the Utah penalty kill unit denied Orlando, while subsequent penalties to Joe Perry and Brenden Miller later in the stanza prevented the home team from being able to generate an attack to mount a comeback.

Massa took the loss with 23 saves on 25 shots against; Faragher earned his second shutout of the season with a 39-save effort.

Three Stars:1) Ryan Faragher – UTA2) Travis Howe – UTA3) Colin Martin – UTA

NEXT HOME GAMES:

• Solar Bears vs. Florida Everblades – Wednesday, April 5 – 7 p.m – Wawa Sunshine Cup Series game
• Solar Bears vs. Florida Everblades – Friday, April 7 – 7 p.m. – Fan Appreciation Night / Team Picture Giveaway Sponsored by Coors Light / Shirts Off Players Back Ceremony / Wawa Sunshine Cup Series game

Club level game tickets can be as purchased for as low as $10 for all remaining regular season home games at orlandosolarbearshockey.com/MTG courtesy of Auto Justice Attorney Michael T. Gibson.

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.