Game Preview: Solar Bears at Gladiators: Jan. 17, 2020

WHO: Orlando Solar Bears at Atlanta GladiatorsVENUE: Infinite Energy Arena, Duluth, Ga.DATE: Friday, Jan. 17 at 7:35 p.m.WATCH: ECHL.TVLISTEN: OSB Radio via Facebook, Mixlr, and TuneIn

TONIGHT: The Orlando Solar Bears (15-15-4-1) face the Atlanta Gladiators (16-20-0-0) for the fifth of 11 meetings this season. Orlando owns a 3-0-1-0 record against Atlanta this season. The Solar Bears faced the Gladiators earlier this week, coming away with a 7-3 victory on Wednesday night, in a game in which Trevor Olson recorded a career-high four points.

FUCALE EXPECTED TO START: Goaltender Zachary Fucale is the anticipated starter for tonight’s game after returning from the Syracuse Crunch of the American Hockey League earlier this week. Fucale’s last action came in a relief appearance for Clint Windsor following the latter’s ejection from Orlando’s 8-2 win on Dec. 21. Fucale is 0-0-1 in two appearances against Atlanta this season with a 2.38 goals-against average and a save percentage of .927.

ABBANDONATO PUTTING TOGETHER STREAK: Peter Abbandonato’s three points (1g-2a) on Wednesday extended his overall point streak to four games (2g-4a) dating back to his first stint with Orlando in November. Should Abbandonato record a point in his next game he will match Tristin Langan (12/02-12/10; 3g-2a) for the longest point streak by a rookie for the Solar Bears this season.

BRODZINSKI PRODUCING AGAINST GLADIATORS: Defenseman Michael Brodzinski leads Orlando against Atlanta with eight assists and nine points in four games. The defenseman set a franchise record with five assists and a six-point outing against the Gladiators on Dec. 21.

DONAGHEY COMING OFF SLUMP-BUSTING PERFORMANCE: Until Wednesday, Cody Donaghey had gone the whole season without a multi-point game, after having nine multi-point outings last season. The defenseman finally broke out of his funk with a three-assist performance against the Gladiators Wednesday night. Donaghey will now set his sights on lightning the lamp, and currently leads Orlando with 91 shots on goal.

SCOUTING THE OPPONENT: Eric Neiley leads the Gladiators against Orlando with five points (3g-2a) through four games. He is the only player on Atlanta’s roster with a positive plus-minus against Orlando (+3) and who has also played in every game of the head-to-head series.

NEXT GAMES:

The Solar Bears continue their six-game road trip when they face the Jacksonville Icemen at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena on Saturday, Jan. 18 at 7 p.m. The Solar Bears return home to face the Jacksonville Icemen on Thursday, Jan. 23 for a Thirsty Thursday, presented by Coors Light – fans can take advantage of $5 domestic draft beers during the game. 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.