Game Preview: Solar Bears vs. Icemen | Dec. 26, 2019

WHO: Orlando Solar Bears vs. Jacksonville IcemenVENUE: Jewett Orthopaedic Rink at Amway Center, Orlando, Fla.DATE: Thursday, Dec. 26 at 7 p.m.WATCH: ECHL.TVLISTEN: OSB Radio via Facebook, Mixlr, TuneIn and Lightning Power PlayPROMOTIONS:

• Thirsty Thursday, presented by Coors Light – Fans can take advantage of $5 domestic draft beers during the game

TICKETS: CLICK HERE

TONIGHT: The Orlando Solar Bears (12-12-4-1) face the Jacksonville Icemen (9-13-4-0) for the sixth of 11 total meetings this season. The Solar Bears already own a 5-0-0-0 record against the Icemen, and have outscored their opponent 16-6.

HO-HO-HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS: After six straight seasons of returning from the holiday break with a game on home ice, the Solar Bears broke from tradition last season with a road game at Jacksonville; tonight’s game at the Jewett Orthopaedic Rink at Amway Center resumes that tradition. Orlando has won its last two post-holiday games against Jacksonville by identical 4-3 scores. The Solar Bears are a lifetime 4-3-0-0 in games that immediately follow the holiday break. All games have been played against either Florida (2012-16) or Jacksonville (2017-present).

WINDSOR STARTS: With Zachary Fucale loaned to Team Canada for the 2019 Spengler Cup tournament taking place in Davos, Switzerland, the goaltending duties for the Solar Bears will primarily rest on Clint Windsor. The rookie netminder is projected to start his second consecutive game for Orlando tonight. He is 4-0-0 in the month of December with a 2.10 goals-against average and a save percentage of .939. Windsor’s numbers against Jacksonville are noticeably impressive – in two outings he’s 2-0-0 with a 0.50 goals-against average and a save percentage of .983.

OFFENSIVE EXPLOSION: Over their last six games, the Solar Bears have found the back of the net with relative ease. The team has outscored its opponents 27-20, for an average of 4.5 goals scored per game. That mark exceeds the season-leading average of the Newfoundland Growlers (4.07) by nearly half a goal. More than 40% of Orlando’s goals scored in that time can be attributed to one of three players: Michael Brodzinski, Chris LeBlanc and Johno May, each of whom also lead the team in overall points during this six-game stretch.

LEBLANC ON CUSP OF SEVERAL MILESTONES: After picking up two assists in his previous game, Chris LeBlanc is now at 49 career helpers in his time with the Solar Bears. The third-year pro ranks eighth in assists in franchise history, and will become just the eighth player to hit 50 assists with Orlando. He is four assists away from passing Brady Vail (52) for seventh on the franchise assist leaderboard. His next point will also give him sole possession of ninth on the club points leaderboard, passing C.J. Severyn (78). LeBlanc’s next goal will also make him just the 12th player to record 30 career goals with the Solar Bears, and the second after Brett Findlay to hit double digits in three consecutive seasons.

SCOUTING THE OPPONENT: The Icemen recently welcomed the return of veteran forward Wacey Rabbit, who began the season overseas with Romania’s ASC Corona Brasov. Last season, Rabbit led the Icemen in scoring against the Solar Bears, tallying eight points (5g-3a) in 11 games. Rabbit has scored in each of the two games he has played with Jacksonville since his return.

NEXT GAMES:

The Solar Bears visit the South Carolina Stingrays for a meeting at the North Charleston Coliseum on Saturday, Dec. 28 at 6:05 p.m. The Solar Bears then return home and face the Brampton Beast on Sunday, Jan. 5 at 3 p.m. for a FAIRWINDS Solar Bears Sunday – FAIRWINDS members can use their FAIRWINDS debit/credit card to score two free tickets to the game. Visit fairwinds.org/solarbears for more information. CLICK HERE to purchase tickets for this game.

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.