Solar Bears inch closer to playoff spot in 3-2 OT loss to Stingrays

Gillam makes 36 saves in debut to help Orlando gain point

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. – Mason Marchment scored twice in regulation, but the Orlando Solar Bears (35-24-7-3) fell to the South Carolina Stingrays (37-28-3-1) by a 3-2 score in overtime on Sunday afternoon at the North Charleston Coliseum. With the overtime point earned, Orlando can now clinch a spot in the 2017 Kelly Cup Playoffs with a victory over the Florida Everblades on Wednesday, April 5.

Click here for the box score.

Mason Marchment picked up where he left off on Friday, as the Solar Bears rookie snapped a shot into the upper-left corner of the net at 2:47 in the first period, with Chris Crane and Darik Angeli receiving assists.

The Stingrays tied the score when Kevin DuFour redirected Max Nicastro’s wrist shot from the right point past Solar Bears goaltender Mitch Gillam, making the first start of his professional career since joining Orlando earlier in the week.

Both teams played through a scoreless second period, with Gillam denying the Stingrays on several quality scoring chances as Orlando found itself outshot by a 16-8 margin.

Marcus Perrier pulled South Carolina ahead early in the third period when broke in and fired a shot that snuck underneath the blocker of Gillam at 2:33.

Late in the frame, Marchment tied the score when Jon Jutzi’s shot from the left point glanced off Wade Epp and Marchment corralled the loose puck as he fell to the ice and backhanded a shot past Milner.

The game remained tied at the conclusion of regulation, sending the contest to overtime. Joe Devin won the game for the Stingrays when he jammed in a Steven McParland rebound past Gillam at 2:57 of the extra session.

Gillam took the overtime loss with 36 saves on 39 shots against; Milner earned the win with 28 stops on 32 shots against.

Three Stars:1) Joe Devin – SC2) Kevin Dufour – SC3) Marcus Perrier – SC

South Division Playoff Picture:1st: Florida Everblades– CLINCHED DIVISION2nd: Greenville Swamp Rabbits – 70 GP, 39-25-5-1 record, 84 points, 37 ROW – CLINCHED PLAYOFF POSITION3rd: Orlando Solar Bears – 69 GP, 35-24-7-3 record, 80 points, 32 ROW4th: South Carolina Stingrays – 69 GP, 37-28-3-1 record, 78 points, 36 ROW5th: Cincinnati Cyclones – 70 GP, 36-29-4-1 record, 77 points, 32 ROW6th: Atlanta Gladiators – ELIMINATED7th: Norfolk Admirals – ELIMINATED

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.