Game Preview: Solar Bears vs. Admirals - Dec. 20, 2017

WHO: Orlando Solar Bears vs. Norfolk AdmiralsVENUE: ARS.com Rink at Amway Center, Orlando, Fla.DATE: Wednesday, Dec. 20, 7 p.m.WATCH: ECHL.TVLISTEN: OSB Radio on MixlrTICKETS: CLICK HERE

TODAY: The Solar Bears (11-12-4-0) return to Orlando to play their first game on home ice since Nov. 26 – the team went 5-4-1-0 on its 10-game road trip and continues its series against the Norfolk Admirals (8-17-1-0) after splitting a pair of games last weekend at the Norfolk Scope. If the Solar Bears can earn at least a point in tonight’s game, it will allow Orlando to leapfrog the idle Atlanta Gladiators into fourth place in the South Division.

GUDBRANSON MAKES RETURN TONIGHT: After sustaining an injury in only the second game of the season, defenseman Alex Gudbranson is expected to make his return to the lineup tonight for the Solar Bears after missing the previous 25 games. The fourth-year pro is known for his rugged style of play and also possesses the ability to contribute offensively, with 42 career points (10g-32a) in 169 pro games split between the ECHL and AHL.

HOME DEBUT FOR THREE SOLAR BEARS: With the lengthy road trip and a number of injuries earlier in the season serving as contributing factors, Gudbranson, Darryl Bootland and Sean Zimmerman are all expected to make their home debut with Orlando tonight. The trio’s presence in the lineup adds a noted size and physical edge to the Solar Bears.

THREE IS THE MAGIC NUMBER: So far this season, a major factor in determining victory for the Solar Bears has been if the team is capable of scoring three or more goals – the team is 9-3-3-0 when reaching that benchmark in games this season. Orlando only netted two goals in last night’s defeat to Norfolk – the Solar Bears are 1-9-1-0 when recording two or fewer goals.

LOCKING DOWN THE ADMIRALS: Although the Solar Bears managed another 40+ shot performance and won by their largest margin of victory this season in Saturday’s 7-2 victory, Orlando allowed a season-high 44 shots against in the game; Orlando will look to limit Norfolk’s chances over the next three games.

STREAKS:

• Nolan Valleau – 3-game point streak (1g-3a)
• Max Novak – 2-game point streak (2g-2a)
• Joe Perry – 2-game point streak (1g-2a)
• J.C. Campagna – 2-game assist streak (3a)

UPCOMING MILESTONES:

• Joe Perry – needs 2 goals to tie Brett Findlay for second place in franchise history

AFFILIATE NOTES: The Toronto Marlies (21-7-0-0) will try to rebound from two consecutive losses for the first time this season when they visit the Utica Comets. The Toronto Maple Leafs (21-13-1-0) dismantled the Carolina Hurricanes with an 8-1 victory on Tuesday night, and look to take the momentum from that contest into tonight’s 7:30 p.m. battle at Columbus.

NEXT GAMES: The Solar Bears resume their regular season series with the Norfolk Admirals at the ARS.com Rink at Amway Center on Thursday, Dec. 21 at 7 p.m. Thursday’s game is a Thirsty Thursday – all 16oz domestic draft beers will be just $5 at all concessions and bars throughout the Amway Center during the game.

Orlando completes the week against Norfolk on Saturday, Dec. 23 with the team’s annual Teddy Bear Toss game, presented by Tijuana Flats – fans are encouraged to bring teddy bears to throw onto the ice once Orlando scores its first goal of the game – the teddy bears and other stuffed animals that are collected will be donated to United Against Poverty. The Solar Bears will wear their ugly holiday sweater jerseys, which will be auctioned off following the game. Saturday’s game is also Hunter Vision Gift of Sight Night – one lucky fan will have the chance to win $2,500 towards LASIK surgery provided by Hunter Vision. Saturday’s game will also be televised LIVE on My65 Orlando. 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.