Solar Bears drop road trip opener to Admirals

NORFOLK, Va. – The Orlando Solar Bears (17-15-3-0) received goals from Jonne Tammela and Mitch Hults but ultimately opened this week’s three-game set against Norfolk Admirals (15-18-2-2) with a 5-2 loss on Wednesday night at the Norfolk Scope.

Click herefor the box score.

Both teams played through a scoreless first period, with Charlie Millen making seven saves for Orlando.

The game was delayed for several moments at the 3:19 mark of the second period following a hit by Myles McGurty on Norfolk’s John Gustafsson along the boards in the neutral zone that necessitated Gustafsson’s removal from the ice by stretcher.

The Admirals struck first not long after play resumed when Ben Duffy made it 1-0 in favor of the home team at 4:31.

Tammela answered for the Solar Bears at 9:45 as he deked to the inside of a Norfolk defender before snapping a shot past Merrick Madsen for his seventh of the season.

Connor Hurley put the Admirals ahead 2-1 at 12:37.

Shortly after a penalty to the Solar Bears ended at the start of the third period, Darik Angeli made it 3-1 for Norfolk, and Duffy tacked on his second goal of the evening at 12:50 to make it 4-1.

Hults pulled Orlando back to within two goals with his fifth of the season at 14:08 after Mathieu Foget found Hults in the slot, but Don Olivieri sealed the game for Norfolk with an empty-net tally at 19:30.

Millen took the loss with 18 saves on 22 shots against; Madsen earned the victory for Norfolk with 39 stops on 41 shots against.

THREE STARS1) Ben Duffy – NOR2) Merrick Madsen – NOR3) Connor Hurley – NOR

NEXT GAMES: The Solar Bears face the Norfolk Admirals again on Friday, Jan. 11 at 7 p.m. at the Norfolk Scope. The Solar Bears return home to host the Jacksonville Icemen on Wednesday, Feb. 6 at 7 p.m. for a Wine Down Wednesday. Fans can take advantage of $5 wine specials during the game. CLICK HEREto purchase tickets for the game.

2018-19 Season Presented by XYMOPrint:

The Orlando Solar Bears are proud to have local digital printing experts XYMOPrintas the presenting sponsor of the 2018-19 season. As a special offer, fans who call XYMOPrint at (888) 223-9390 from now until June 15, 2019 and reference the Solar Bears will receive 30% off their first order of 500 business cards.

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 Membershipsfor 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.