ORLANDO, Fla. – Newly-appointed captain Kevin Lohan scored less than three minutes into the game, Aaron Luchuk scored the game-winner on a 5-on-3 power-play and Zach Émond made 27 saves in his pro debut as the Orlando Solar Bears (1-0-0-0) began their 10th season in the ECHL with a 3-1 victory in their home opener against the Atlanta Gladiators (0-1-0-0) on Saturday night at the AdventHealth Rink at Amway Center
1st PeriodORL Goal: Kevin Lohan (1) at 2:58. Assisted by Kyle Topping and Jake McGrew.ATL Goal: Derek Nesbitt (1) at 13:51. Assisted by Xavier Bernard and Tim Davison.SHOTS: ORL 6, ATL 8
2nd PeriodORL Goal: Aaron Luchuk (1) [PP] at 13:51. Assisted by Michael Brodzinski and Jake McGrew.SHOTS: ORL 13, ATL 8
3rd PeriodORL Goal: Kryštof Hrabík (1) [PP] at 16:27. Assisted by Jake McGrew and Aaron Luchuk.SHOTS: ORL 7, ATL 12
GoaltendingORL: Zachary Émond, 27-for-28ATL: Tyler Parks, 23-for-26
NOTABLES:
- Luchuk finished the night with two points (1g-1a).
- The Solar Bears went 2-for-6 on the power play and 4-for-4 on the penalty kill.
- Jake McGrew picked up an assist on all three of Orlando’s goals.
- A potential scoring scenario at the 5:43 mark of the second period did not rule in favor of a goal for the Solar Bears that would have made the score 3-1 upon video review.
- Kryštof Hrabík, Luchuk and Kyle Topping tied for the team lead with five shots on goal.
- Orlando is now 5-5-0-0 in home openers.
NEXT GAME: The Solar Bears return to action when they visit the Gladiators for Atlanta’s home opener on Friday, Oct. 29 at 7:35 p.m. at GasSouth Arena. Orlando is back home to face the Jacksonville Icemen on Sunday, October 31 at 1 p.m. at the AdventHealth Rink at Amway Center for “Boo with the Bears” and the first VyStar Credit Union Solar Bears Sunday of the season.
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