Novak scores for Solar Bears in 3-1 loss to Everblades

ESTERO, Fla. – The Orlando Solar Bears (30-27-6-1) showed some resolve in the third period but couldn’t complete a comeback attempt against the Florida Everblades (47-12-2-4), falling by a 3-1 score on Friday night at Germain Arena in the 13th Wawa Sunshine Cup Series meeting of the season.

The Solar Bears (64 GP, 67 points) still maintain a six-point lead on the Atlanta Gladiators (64 GP, 61 points) for third place in the South Division. Orlando’s magic number to clinch a berth in the 2018 Kelly Cup Playoffs remains at seven points.

Click here for the box score.

SCORING SUMMARY

Orlando: Max Novak (Sam Jardine, Robbie Baillargeon)

Goaltender: Mackenzie Skapski (29/32)

Florida: John McCarron (Stephen MacAulay, Mitchell Heard), Jimmy DeVito (Logan Roe), Matt Berry (Spencer Smallman, Brett Bulmer)

Goaltender: Martin Ouellette (18/19)

ON THE SCORESHEET

• Max Novak got Orlando on the board with a power-play goal at the 8:00 mark of the third period.
• Sam Jardine assisted on Novak’s goal.
• Robbie Baillargeon added the secondary assist on Novak’s tally.
• Mackenzie Skapski took the loss with 29 saves on 32 shots against.

NOTABLES

• The Solar Bears were limited to four shots on goal in the second period by a Florida – their fewest in the second period this season.
• Orlando is 3-7-3-0 against the Everblades this season.
• Hunter Fejes led Orlando with four shots on goal.
• The Solar Bears conclude the Wawa Sunshine Cup Series against the Everblades tomorrow, March 17 at 7 p.m. at Germain Arena. Orlando returns home to face the South Carolina Stingrays on Wednesday, March 21. Single-game tickets for the 2017-18 season are now on sale at the Amway Center box office and ticketmaster.com.

THREE STARS1) Jimmy DeVito – FLA2) Martin Ouellette – FLA3) Matt Berry – FLA

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.

Fiesta 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 our Noche Latina game, presented by Auto Justice Attorney Michael T. Gibson on Friday, March 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 at orlandosolarbearshockey.com/shop.