Bear Bites: Week of May 17, 2021

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Solar Bears have a busy week ahead, with a road game against Jacksonville on Tuesday and a three-in-three this weekend against the South Carolina Stingrays. The Solar Bears currently are seeded in fourth place in the Eastern Conference, while Jacksonville and South Carolina are both beneath the playoff line and chasing Orlando. 

THIS WEEK’S GAMES: 

• Tuesday, May 18 at Jacksonville Icemen at 7 p.m. 
• Friday, May 21 vs. South Carolina Stingrays at 7 p.m. - Dance Night 
• Saturday, May 22 vs. South Carolina Stingrays at 7 p.m. 
• Sunday, May 23 vs. South Carolina Stingrays at 3 p.m. - Faith & Family Night, presented by Auto Justice Attorney Michael T. Gibson and VyStar Credit Union Solar Bears Sunday 

SEASON RECORD: 31-23-5-1 (.567) LAST WEEK’S RECORD: 1-2-0-0 RECORD IN LAST 10 GAMES: 4-5-1-0 EASTERN CONFERENCE STANDINGS: 4th of 7 

ACTIVE LEADERS: TOP SCORER: Aaron Luchuk – 64 points MOST GOALS: Aaron Luchuk – 26 goals MOST ASSISTS: Aaron Luchuk – 38 assists PIM LEADER: Tristin Langan – 52 PIM PLUS-MINUS LEADER: Nolan Valleau – +19 

LAST WEEK’S GAMES: 

Monday, May 10 vs. Greenville Swamp Rabbits: 1-0 L A first period goal from Patrik Bajkov was the game’s only score, as Greenville’s John Lethemon made 26 saves to blank the Solar Bears. 

Friday, May 14 vs. Florida Everblades: 8-3 W The Solar Bears got goals from seven different players, as Tristin Langan matched his career-high with four points (1g-3a) and Aaron Luchuk scored twice. Orlando matched its franchise record for goals in a home game. 

Saturday, May 15 vs. Florida Everblades: 3-2 L Matthew Spencer broke a 2-2 tie with less than a minute and a half remaining in the third period on Sunday to lift Orlando to a 3-2 victory over the Swamp Rabbits and help the Solar Bears reach the 30-win plateau for the seventh time in team history.

The Orlando Solar Bears along with VyStar Credit Union, have announced the launch of a co-branded debit card, available now for all VyStar Credit Union members. 

Fans can get a Solar Bears debit card when they open a VyStar account with a minimum balance of $5 at any branch location. They can also apply for membership online at apply.vystarcu.org but will need to visit a branch to get a Solar Bears card. Current members can request a co-branded card by visiting a branch, calling 800-445-6289 or speaking to a VyChat representative at www.vystarcu.org. 

BEARS IN THE NHL: 

Several former Solar Bears occupy spots on NHL rosters or taxi squads for the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs – here we will track their progress: 

*Indicates currently on taxi squad 

BITES: 

• Aaron Luchuk is second in league scoring, and first in the Eastern Conference, with 64 points (26g-38a) 
• Anthony Repaci has eight points (4g-4a) in his last eight games 
• The Solar Bears are 19-0-0-1 when leading after two periods 
• Chris LeBlanc’s next assist will be the 80th of his career with Orlando, allowing him to pass Denver Manderson and Eric Faille for the most assists in club history 
• Orlando is 19-1-0-0 when allowing two or fewer goals 
• Nolan Valleau is fourth in plus-minus among league defensemen with a +19 
• The Solar Bears are 3-3-2-0 at Jacksonville this season 
• Clint Windsor is tied for second with 19 wins 

BEAR TRACKS PRESENTED BY PINK WHITNEY: 

Solar Bears defenseman Nolan Valleau joined team broadcaster Jesse Liebman for last week’s episode of Bear Tracks, presented by Pink Whitney by New Amsterdam Vodka. The sixth-year pro recounts how his dog Otis became a part of his life, his journey back to Orlando for the 2020-21 season and how he has adjusted to being one of the elder statesmen in the locker room. 

Become a VyStar Credit Union member! 

VyStar Credit Union is the official credit union of the Orlando Solar Bears – take advantage of member benefits including discounted tickets and more! 

CLICK TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BECOMING A VYSTAR CREDIT UNION MEMBER