Massa, Buzzeo help Solar Bears prevail 3-2 in shootout win over Beast

Buzzeo nets shootout-winner, Massa has 34 saves

BRAMPTON, Ontario – For the second straight evening, the Orlando Solar Bears (33-23-6-3) trailed heading into the third period against the Brampton Beast (36-21-3-5), but Orlando once again found a way to battle back, as the Solar Bears ultimately prevailed in a 3-2 shootout victory on Friday night at the Powerade Centre. The win allowed Orlando to jump up into third place in the ECHL’s South Division, as the Solar Bears now possess 75 points, one more than the idle Cincinnati Cyclones.

Click here for the box score.

After Joe Perry was whistled for a high-sticking double-minor at 7:09, the Solar Bears killed off the first stage of the infraction, but David Pacan redirected a shot from the right point by Brandon Marino past Ryan Massa at 10:23.

Eric Faille tied the score late in the stanza when he jammed in a Chase Witala rebound that settled in the crease, allowing Faille to step in and slide the puck past Zachary Fucale at 17:02.

Marino added a goal of his own 5:29 into the second period to put the home team ahead again.

Tony Cameranesi tipped in Eric Baier’s shot from the blueline to tie the score at 2-2 at 4:28 of the third frame. For Baier, the assist was the 100th of his professional career.

Massa stood tall for the Solar Bears during the remainder of regulation, and came up big in overtime as he denied Marino on a breakaway by extending his left pad along the ice as Marino attempted to fake the goaltender out of position. The game remained tied at the conclusion of the 3-on-3 period, sending Orlando to its first road shootout match of the season.

Justin Buzzeo provided the lone goal in the second round of the shootout as he swung to the left and then fired a shot through the legs of Fucale. After Denver Manderson missed in the third round, the decision fell down to Massa to make a stop on Brampton’s Luke Pither, but the forward shot wide on Massa’s blocker side, giving Orlando the win.

Massa earned the victory with 34 saves on 36 shots against; Fucale took the shootout loss with 37 stops on 39 shots against for the Beast.

Three Stars:1) David Pacan – BRM2) Brandon Marino – BRM3) Zachary Fucale - BRM

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.