Solar Bears split series with Stingrays

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Solar Bears (1-2-0-0) attempted to rally from a 6-2 deficit at the start of the third period, but ultimately fell short in their comeback attempt, a 6-5 loss to the South Carolina Stingrays (1-2-0-0) on Monday night at the ARS.com Rink at Amway Center

Click here for the box score.

South Carolina’s Grant Besse struck early to give the visitors a 1-0 lead just 37 seconds into the game when he beat Corbin Boes with the first shot of the contest.

The Solar Bears answered when Brent Pedersen fed Nolan Valleau in the slot for the defenseman’s first of the season at 17:10.

The Stingrays responded 45 seconds afterward when defenseman Mike Chen drove the lane and buried the go-ahead goal for South Carolina.

Orlando quickly managed to tie the score after Brady Shaw knocked in a Mike Monfredo rebound at 18:57 for his second goal of the season.

The Stingrays seized control in the second period, as Jonathan Charbonneau netted a power-play goal just 47 seconds into the middle stanza. Matt Pohlkamp (4:34), Sam Fioretti (12:40) and Jake Kamrass (18:57) also tallied to put the Solar Bears in a 6-2 hole.

Orlando’s comeback attempt began in the third period as Valleau scored with the man advantage at 7:53, Colby McAuley found the back of the net at 12:49 to complete a tic-tac-toe passing play with Alex Schoenborn and Shaw. Hunter Fejes also netted a power-play goal at 14:27 to pull the home team to within one goal of the Stingrays.

A potential tying score appeared within reach when South Carolina’s Tad Kozun was whistled for high-sticking at 18:13, sending the Solar Bears to a late power play. Despite pulling Boes for an extra skater, Orlando’s offense was unable to produce critical tally, and the Stingrays hung on for the win.

Boes took the loss in his pro debut with 35 saves on 41 shots against; Milner earned the victory with 44 stops on 49 shots against.

NOTABLES

• Pedersen (1g-3a) and Fejes (2g-2a) both lead the team with an active three-game point streak and are tied with McAuley (3g-1a) for the team scoring lead.
• Donaghey, Monfredo and Schoenborn each have a two-game assist streak (2a).

THREE STARS1) Grant Besse – SC2) Jake Kamrass – SC3) Nolan Valleau – ORL

NEXT GAME: The Solar Bears head north for a two-game road trip, starting Friday, Oct. 19 at Jacksonville at 7:30 p.m. The Solar Bears return home for a showdown with the Florida Everblades on Friday, Oct. 26, at 7 p.m. at the ARS.com Rink at Amway Center. CLICK HERE to purchase tickets.

2018-19 Single-Game Tickets Now on Sale:

Single-game tickets for the Orlando Solar Bears 2018-19 regular season home schedule are now on sale. Fans can purchase single-game tickets for as little as $15 at the Amway Center box office, or online at Ticketmaster.com.

2018-19 Season Ticket Memberships:

Season Ticket Memberships for the seventh season of ECHL Orlando Solar Bears hockey are now on sale. Full and Half-Season memberships are both available, starting as low as $270. For more information, call (407) 951-8200 or visit orlandosolarbearshockey.com.

About the Orlando Solar Bears:

The Orlando Solar Bears are the proud affiliate of the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning and members of the ECHL, the premier “AA” hockey league in North America. In six seasons of operation, the team has qualified for the Kelly Cup Playoffs four times. 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.