Game Preview: Solar Bears vs. Gladiators | Dec. 6, 2019

WHO: Orlando Solar Bears vs. Atlanta GladiatorsVENUE: Jewett Orthopaedic Rink at Amway Center, Orlando, Fla.DATE: Friday, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m.WATCH: ECHL.TVLISTEN: OSB Radio via Facebook, Mixlr and TuneInTICKETS: CLICK HERE

TONIGHT: The Orlando Solar Bears (7-9-3-1) take on the Atlanta Gladiators (9-9-0-0) for the first time out of 11 total meetings this season. Both teams are tied with 18 points, although Atlanta owns the higher seed in the South Division due to tiebreaking procedures. Orlando won the regular season series last season with a 6-3-0-0 record in nine matches against Atlanta. The Solar Bears own a lifetime 34-26-4-4 record against the Gladiators.

MCAULEY FINDING OFFENSIVE GROOVE: Since Nov. 1, Colby McAuley has led Orlando with eight points (1g-7a) over 14 games. The forward’s seven assists also led Orlando over that span, and he has recorded five assists over his previous five contests.

HUNTINGTON RETURNS: Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Jimmy Huntington was assigned to Orlando yesterday afternoon from the American Hockey League and will skate in his fourth game with Orlando this season tonight, playing on a line with Chris LeBlanc and Trevor Olson. The rookie forward has three points (1g-2a) in three games for the Solar Bears this season.

WINDSOR STARTS: After Zachary Fucale picked up the win for the Solar Bears on Thursday, the netminding duties will fall to Clint Windsor for tonight’s game against Atlanta. Windsor has made six straight appearances with 31+ saves, and is coming off a 35-save performance against South Carolina on Saturday. Last season, Windsor went 1-1-0 against Atlanta in two appearances with a 2.54 goals-against average and a save percentage of .934.

SCOUTING THE OPPONENT: The Gladiators are 5-5-0-0 over their last 10 games but are in the midst of a two-game losing streak. Goaltender Martin Ouellette, who won 18 games with the Solar Bears last season while on loan from the Syracuse Crunch, signed an ECHL contract with the Gladiators at the start of the season. Former Solar Bears on Atlanta’s roster also include goaltender Sean Bonar (2014-15) and Logan Nelson (2017-18).

NEXT GAME:

Orlando host the Gladiators again on Saturday, Dec. 7. Saturday’s game is also our annual Teddy Bear Toss game – fans are encouraged to bring new or gently used teddy bears or stuffed animals to be thrown onto the ice when the Solar Bears score their first goal of the game. CLICK HERE to purchase tickets for Teddy Bear Toss – Saturday, Dec. 7 vs. Atlanta.

Purchase Single-Game Tickets:

Single-game tickets for all Solar Bears home games are now on sale at the Amway Center box office and Ticketmaster. CLICK HERE to download the calendar for the 2019-20 season.

Order New Jerseys:

The Orlando Solar Bears will wear new jerseys for the 2019-20 season. Replica jerseys are available for purchase online, with adult sizes available for $149.95 and youth sizes available for $109.95. Fans can visit bit.ly/OSBJerseys to place their order today.

2019-20 Season Ticket Memberships on Sale Now:

Upgrade to Solar Status and become a Season Ticket Member today. Season ticket memberships for the 2019-20 season are now on sale and start as little as $270 – CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.

2019-20 Season Presented by XYMOPrint:

The 2019-20 Orlando Solar Bears season is presented by XYMOPrint, Orlando’s digital printing experts. As a special offer, fans who call XYMOPrint at (888) 223-9390 from now until June 15, 2021 and reference the Solar Bears will receive 15% off their first order and a free Orlando Solar Bears poster!

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 seven seasons of operation, the team has qualified for the Kelly Cup Playoffs five times. The Solar Bears are owned and operated by the Orlando Magic and the DeVos Family, and play 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.