Game Preview: Solar Bears at Admirals - Dec. 15, 2017

WHO: Orlando Solar Bears at Norfolk AdmiralsVENUE: Norfolk Scope, Norfolk, Va.DATE: Friday, Dec. 15, 7 p.m.WATCH: ECHL.TVLISTEN: OSB Radio on Mixlr

TODAY: The Solar Bears (10-11-4-0) play the ninth game of their season-high 10-game road trip against the Norfolk Admirals (7-16-1-0). It is Orlando’s first visit to the Norfolk Scope since the 2015-16 season; Orlando is a lifetime 5-1-1-0 against Norfolk. Tonight’s meeting will be the first of five consecutive matches against the Admirals, with two taking place here in Norfolk, and three games at the ARS.com Rink at Amway Center beginning next Wednesday.

PERRY LIKELY TO MAKE RETURN TONIGHT: Forward Joe Perry is expected to return to the lineup tonight for the Solar Bears after sitting out the previous 18 games. In three games against Norfolk last season, Perry recorded one goal and one assist for Orlando.

DISCIPLINE AND DEFENSE: Two keys to victory will be stout defense for Orlando, and a refusal to take unnecessary penalties – Norfolk has allowed a league-high 4.17 goals against per game this season, and the Admirals are among the leaders in fewest penalties on a per-game basis as well.

THOMPSON GETS SHOT AT REVENGE: Tonight’s game could offer a chance for revenge for forward Tayler Thompson against his former club – Thompson’s release by the Admirals on Nov. 15 has been Orlando’s gain: since signing with the Solar Bears, Orlando has gone 7-3-2-0, and 4-2-2-0 with Thompson in the lineup.

FIRST GOAL NOT A GUARANTEE: Both teams have had limited opportunities to score the first goal in games this season. Orlando owns a 4-1-1-0 record when getting on the board first; Norfolk is 4-4-1-0.

STREAKS:

• Cal Heeter – 7-game win streak (7-0-0)

UPCOMING MILESTONES:

• Joe Perry – needs 1 goal for sole possession of third place in franchise history (tied with Jacob Cepis and Brady Vail with 35)
• Max Novak – 2 points from 50 career pro points (18g-30a)

AFFILIATE NOTES: The top two teams in the AHL’s North Division square off tonight as the Toronto Marlies (20-5-0-0) battle the Rochester Americans. The Toronto Maple Leafs (20-11-1-0) suffered a 2-0 shutout loss to the Minnesota Wild last night, and look to get back in the win column in an Original Six matchup against the Detroit Red Wings at 7:30 p.m.

NEXT GAME: Orlando concludes its season-high 10-game road trip when they face the Norfolk Admirals on Saturday, Dec. 16 at 7 p.m. at the Norfolk Scope. The Solar Bears return to the ARS.com Rink at Amway Center on Wednesday, Dec. 20 as they take on the Norfolk Admirals at 7 p.m. Single-game tickets for the 2017-18 season are now on sale at the Amway Center box office and ticketmaster.com.

About the Orlando Solar Bears:The Orlando Solar Bears are in their sixth season of operation in the ECHL, the premier “AA” hockey league in North America, and are the proud affiliate of the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs and the AHL’s Toronto Marlies. The Solar Bears are owned and operated by the Orlando Magic and the DeVos Family, and play at the ARS.com Rink at Amway Center, the 2012 Street and Smith’s Sports Business Journal Sports Facility of the Year.

Festive Four Packs, presented by CenturyLink, are now available for purchase! Pick four games and get gift certificates to Sonny’s BBQ, Dick’s Sporting Goods, QDOBA Mexican Eats and a FREE center ice ticket to the Orlando Solar Bears Teddy Bear Toss game on Saturday, December 23! Packs start as low as $64 and include $68 in FREE gifts! Click here or call (407) 951-8200 for more information.

Officially licensed Orlando Solar Bears replica team jerseys, apparel, and headwear can be purchased online at orlandosolarbearshockey.com/shop.