GREENVILLE, S.C. — Nolan Valleau’s first of the season proved to be the game-winner, but the Orlando Solar Bears (10-8-1-0) tacked on four more goals and Michael Lackey earned his first professional shutout as Orlando defeated the Greenville Swamp Rabbits (9-5-5-2) by a 5-0 count on Saturday night at Bon Secours Wellness Arena.
Valleau scored in just his second game of the season at 16:22 of the first period after Tristin Langan won a draw at the left circle back to the defenseman, who beat Ryan Bednard to make it 1-0.
Johno May then buried his second of the season at 5:46 of the second period, and Jake Coughler scored on the power play from the left circle at 10:09 for his fifth of the season to chase Bednard from the net.
Tyler Bird pushed Orlando’s lead to 4-0 at 15:56 when he tipped Alexander Kuqali’s point shot past John Lethemon, and Devante Stephens scored at 11:23 to cap the scoring.
Lackey earned his third win of the season with a 19-for-19 performance; Bednard took the loss going 11-for-14, while Lethemon went 6-for-8 in relief.
THREE STARS:1) Michael Lackey - ORL2) Nolan Valleau - ORL3) Dylan Sadowy - ORL
NOTABLES:
- Orlando improved to 7-0-0-0 when scoring first
- Valleau also earned an assist on Coughler’s goal for his first multi-point game of the season
- Langan recorded three assists on the evening, matching his career-high, originally set on Feb. 23, 2020 vs. Norfolk
- The Solar Bears improved to 5-2-1-0 following a regulation loss and snapped Greenville’s three-game win streak
NEXT GAME:
The Solar Bears close out the week with their third meeting with the Greenville Swamp Rabbits at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on Sunday, Feb. 14 at 3:05 p.m. The Solar Bears are back on home ice to host the Florida Everblades at the AdventHealth Rink at Amway Center on Saturday, Feb. 20 at 7 p.m.
2020-21 Season Ticket Memberships on Sale Now:
Upgrade to Solar Status and become a Season Ticket Member today. Season ticket memberships for the 2020-21 season are now on sale and start as little as $279 – CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
New Mobile App:
Download the new Orlando Solar Bears mobile app today — get access to your game tickets, news, updates and more! Download in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store today.
2020-21 Season Presented by XYMOPrint:
The 2020-21 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 Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning and members of the ECHL, the premier “AA” hockey league in North America. In eight 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 the AdventHealth 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.