Game Preview: Solar Bears at Cyclones: Jan. 29, 2020

WHO: Orlando Solar Bears at Cincinnati CyclonesVENUE: Heritage Bank Center, Cincinnati, OhioDATE: Wednesday, Jan. 29 at 7:35 p.m.WATCH: ECHL.TVLISTEN: OSB Radio via Facebook, Mixlr and TuneIn

TONIGHT: The Orlando Solar Bears (19-16-5-1) open up a four-game road trip with the Central Division leaders, the Cincinnati Cyclones (26-11-6-0), taking on Cincinnati for the first time since the 2017-18 season. Orlando is a lifetime 9-3-0-1 against the Cyclones, and owns a 2-1-2-0 record against non-divisional opponents this season.

SHOOT TO THRILL: The Solar Bears lead the ECHL with five players in the league’s Top 50 in shooting percentage. Johno May leads the way for Orlando, finding the back of the net at a clip of 18.8% (13-for-69).

FITZE, KUQALI TO MAKE RETURN TO THE LINEUP: Forward Dylan Fitze is expected to make his return to the lineup for the first time since Jan. 5 vs. Brampton. The second-year forward had missed Orlando’s nine previous games. Additionally, the Solar Bears will dress Alexander Kuqali tonight as the team’s seventh defenseman. Kuqali was activated off the IR earlier today after missing the last 29 games. Kuqali has one assist in four games with Orlando this season.

DONAGHEY CARRIES ASSIST STREAK INTO TONIGHT: Cody Donaghey enters tonight’s game with a two-game assist streak (2a). The third-year blueliner has led Orlando’s back end in plus-minus in the month of January with a +10 rating, and has chipped in five assists for the month.

MAY LOOKING TO GET BACK ON SCORESHEET: Monday’s game was only the fourth time that Johno May has been held off the scoresheet since joining the Solar Bears. The second-year pro is tied for second on the team in scoring with 17 points (9g-8a) and leads the team in goals since his Dec. 13 acquisition from Greenville.

SCOUTING THE OPPONENT: The Cyclones are the ECHL affiliate of the Buffalo Sabres and consequently have received several players in that organization’s prospect pipeline, notably rookie goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, who ranks among the Top 20 in several goaltending statistics. Luukkonen was recalled earlier this morning following an injury Tuesday night to Buffalo’s Linus Ullmark. 2018-19 ECHL MVP Jesse Schultz is tied for seventh in league scoring with 45 points (19g-26a). Former Solar Bears on Cincinnati’s roster include defenseman Matthew Spencer, along with forwards Darik Angeli, Ben Johnson and Brady Vail.

NEXT GAMES:

The Solar Bears continue their four-game road trip when they take on the Wheeling Nailers and make their first visit to WesBanco Arena since the 2016-17 season on Friday, Jan. 31 at 7:05 p.m. The Solar Bears return home to host the South Carolina Stingrays on Thursday, Feb. 6 at 7 p.m. for a Thirsty Thursday, presented by Coors Light, featuring $5 domestic draft beers. 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.