Solar Bears move to within one point of playoffs

ORLANDO, Fla. – Max Novak scored in regulation to reach the 20-goal mark for the first time in his career, but the Orlando Solar Bears (31-27-6-3) earned only one point in a 2-1 shootout loss to the South Carolina Stingrays (42-15-6-1) on Friday night at the ARS.com Rink at Amway Center. Orlando extended its unbeaten streak on home ice to seven games (4-0-1-2) dating back to Feb. 25.

The point earned in the shootout, combined with Jacksonville’s 3-2 loss tonight at Greenville, means that Orlando only needs one more point to clinch a spot in the 2018 Kelly Cup Playoffs. Should Jacksonville lose tomorrow at Greenville, the Solar Bears would automatically qualify for postseason play. Orlando (67 GP, 71 points) currently holds a four-point lead on the Atlanta Gladiators (68 GP, 67 points) for third place in the South Division.

Click here for the box score.

SCORING SUMMARY

Orlando: Max Novak (Kyle Rankin)

Goaltender: Cal Heeter (33/34)

Shootout Goals:

South Carolina: Patrick Megannety (Danny Federico, Parker Milner)

Goaltender: Parker Milner (23/24)

Shootout Goals: Kelly Zajac

ON THE SCORESHEET

• Max Novak got Orlando on the board with his 20th of the season at 7:20 of the scond period. Novak grabbed the puck off a face-off win from Kyle Rankin and snapped a shot past goaltender Parker Milner.
• Kyle Rankin earned the lone assist on Novak’s goal.
• Cal Heeter took the shootout loss with 33 stops on 34 shots against.

NOTABLES

• Kale Kerbashian and Novak led Orlando with four shots on goal.
• The Solar Bears complete their home series against the Stingrays on Sunday, March 25 at the ARS.com Rink at Amway Center at 1:30 p.m. Sunday’s game is a FAIRWINDS Solar Bears Sunday, along with Mighty Ducks Night – fans can stick around after the game for a screening of the Mighty Ducks and enjoy a $5 popcorn and drink special at the start of the movie. Single-game tickets for the 2017-18 season are now on sale at the Amway Center box office and com.

THREE STARS1) Parker Milner – SC2) Kelly Zajac – SC3) Patrick Megannety – SC

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.

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