Game Preview: Solar Bears vs. Admirals - Dec. 21, 2017

WHO: Orlando Solar Bears vs. Norfolk AdmiralsVENUE: ARS.com Rink at Amway Center, Orlando, Fla.DATE: Thursday, Dec. 21, 7 p.m.WATCH: ECHL.TVLISTEN: OSB Radio on MixlrTICKETS: CLICK HERE

PROMOTION: Thirsty Thursday, presented by Coors Light – All 16oz domestic drafts are just $5 at all concessions and bars at the Amway Center throughout the game.

TONIGHT: The Solar Bears (11-13-4-0) play their second game in as many nights against the Norfolk Admirals (9-17-1-0). Orlando can jump up into fourth place in the South Division as long as the team earns more points than the Atlanta Gladiators, who face the Jacksonville Icemen.

BRAID MAKING RETURN: After missing the previous 15 games, rookie defenseman Mackenzie Braid is expected to return to the lineup tonight for Orlando. In his five games this season, Braid has actually been primarily utilized as a forward, and has showcased a willingness to drop the gloves, sparring with Greenville’s Jack Nevins and Florida’s Nolan LaPorte in his first two games.

VALLEAU TIED FOR LEAGUE LEAD: By garnering an assist on Wednesday night, Nolan Valleau has moved into a tie with Colorado’s Matt Register for the scoring lead among defensemen. Both blueliners have managed an identical 26 points (8g-18a) in 28 games for their respective clubs this season; Valleau is also the first defenseman this season to record 100 shots on goal – he managed six last night to hit the century mark.

NOVAK PUTTING TOGETHER STREAK: With two goals and three assists in his last three games, Max Novak has already matched his previous season-high point streak and will look to continue to add to his career-high marks of 10 goals and 14 assists this season.  

DEFENSIVE GROOVE: The Solar Bears are  9-0-1-0 when allowing three or fewer goals this season.

STREAKS:

• Nolan Valleau – 4-game point streak (1g-4a)
• Max Novak – 3-game point streak (2g-3a)
• Joshua Winquist – 3-game point streak (3g-2a)
• Darryl Bootland – 2-game point streak (2g-1a)
• Kristian Pospisil – 2-game point streak (1g-1a)
• J.J. Piccinich – 2-game point streak (1g-1a)
• 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 (21-8-0-0) suffered their first loss since Nov. 8 in Wednesday night’s 5-2 loss at Utica; defenseman Sam Jardine earned an assist in his Marlies debut. The Marlies will have a chance for revenge against Utica tomorrow night. The Toronto Maple Leafs (21-14-1-0) were doubled up by the Columbus Blue Jackets in a 4-2 loss last night and visit the New York Rangers on Saturday.

NEXT 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. CLICK HERE to purchase tickets to Saturday night’s game!

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.