Comeback falls short for Solar Bears in 3-2 loss to Everblades

Block records goal, assist for Orlando

ESTERO, Fla. – The Orlando Solar Bears (30-22-6-3) began their nine-game road trip with a 3-2 loss in their Wawa Sunshine Cup Series battle with the Florida Everblades (41-15-2-3) on Friday night at Germain Arena.

Click here for the box score.

The home team took advantage of a fast start as John McCarron banged home a Nelson Armstrong rebound past Ryan Massa just 24 seconds into the opening period.

The Everblades converted on the power play midway through the frame when the puck rolled back to the left point and Zach Kamrass blasted a shot inside the left post at 9:25.

Florida converted on the man advantage against at 16:27, as Brendan O’Donnell one-timed a feed from Mike Marcou at the right circle.

The Solar Bears got on the board late in the second frame as Austin Block carried the puck up the left wing before he fed a drop pass back to Chris Crane and made his way across the slot, redirecting Crane’s pass past the glove of Alex Nedeljkovic at 19:42.

Block and Crane were both involved on an early third period goal to pull Orlando back to within one, as Block threw a cross-ice feed towards the crease, allowing for Patrick Watling to tap home the pass past Nedeljkovic at 3:54.

The Solar Bears pulled Massa to attempt to close the gap late in regulation, but the Everblades prevented the visitors from finding the tying score with the extra man.

Massa took the loss with 25 saves on 28 shots against; Nedeljkovic picked up the victory with 30 stops on 32 shots against.

Three Stars:1) John McCarron – FLA2) Brendan O’Donnell – FLA3) Austin Block – ORL

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 / Shot for $100,000

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.