Bear Bites: Week of Nov. 22, 2021

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Solar Bears begin a busy week that features four games, including three at home as the Solar Bears look to extend their hottest start on home ice in club history, now at 4-0-0-0 this season at the AdventHealth Rink at Amway Center. The Solar Bears visit the Atlanta Gladiators on Tuesday before returning home to host the Norfolk Admirals on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

THIS WEEK’S GAMES:

• Tuesday, Nov. 23 at Atlanta Gladiators at 7 p.m.
• Thursday, Nov. 25 vs. Norfolk Admirals at 11 a.m. – Thirsty Thursday
• Saturday, Nov. 27 vs. Norfolk Admirals at 7 p.m. – Women in Hockey Night
• Sunday, Nov. 28 vs. Norfolk Admirals at 3 p.m. – VyStar Solar Bears Sunday

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.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:

During this past Saturday’s game against the Maine Mariners, the Solar Bears hosted a canned food drive to benefit the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida. We’d like to extend our gratitude to all of our fans who brought canned food donation items to the game!

AT A GLANCE

SEASON RECORD: 6-5-1-0LAST WEEK’S RECORD: 1-1-0-0RECORD IN LAST 10 GAMES: 5-4-1-0SOUTH DIVISION STANDINGS: 3rd of 7

ACTIVE LEADERSTOP SCORER: Aaron Luchuk – 19 pointsMOST GOALS: Aaron Luchuk – 9 goalsMOST ASSISTS: Aaron Luchuk – 10 assistsPIM LEADER: Luke McInnis – 15 PIMPLUS-MINUS LEADER: Tyler Bird – +4

LAST WEEK’S GAMES:

Wednesday, Nov. 17 at Florida Everblades: 3-2 LAfter surrendering a goal 17 seconds into the contest, the Solar Bears rallied to take a 2-1 lead, but Florida stormed back in the third period, and Joe Pendenza scored with less than four minutes remaining to deal Orlando a loss at the end of its five-game road trip. Brad Barone made 50 saves for the Solar Bears in the loss.

Saturday, Nov. 20 vs. Maine Mariners: 5-4 WFollowing a scoreless first period, both teams tallied a pair of goals in the second period. Kevin Lohan scored 25 seconds into the third period, and Orlando never relinquished the lead, ultimately hanging on for a one-goal victory. Tyler Bird and Michael Brodzinski each logged a goal and an assist in the win.

BITES:

• Aaron Luchuk enters the week with 19 points (9g-10a), which leads the Eastern Conference and ranks third overall. His 11-game point streak came to an end on Saturday vs. Maine.
• The Solar Bears are 5-0-0-0 when scoring first, and are the only Eastern Conference team with a 1.000 win percentage when scoring first.
• Brad Barone set a new ECHL career-high with 50 saves on Wednesday at Florida.
• The Solar Bears are second with a power play operating at 35.7% (10-for-28).
• Michael Brodzinski needs one point on the power play to pass Eric Faille (33 points) for the most power-play points in team history. He also enters the week tied for the lead among Eastern Conference defensemen with 13, and is riding a five-game point streak (3g-5a).
• Orlando is averaging the fewest penalty minutes among South Division clubs with 10.42 minutes assessed per game.

BEARS IN THE NHL:

Several former Solar Bears have appeared on NHL rosters during the 2021-22 season – here we will track their performance:

* Currently assigned to AHL

Now Solar Bears fans can win a trip to Jacksonville for 2022 ECHL All-Star Weekend! The format for the 2022 Warrior / ECHL All-Star Classic will feature the entire Jacksonville Icemen hockey team going head-to-head with the ECHL All-Stars. One lucky fan will win a trip to All-Star Weekend, including travel and accommodations, along with two tickets to Fan Fest on Sunday, January 16 and the 2022 ECHL All-Star Classic on Monday, January 17!

BEAR TRACKS PRESENTED BY PINK WHITNEY:

Former Solar Bears defenseman and captain Carl Nielsen joined team broadcaster Jesse Liebman for last week’s episode of Bear Tracks, presented by Pink Whitney by New Amsterdam Vodka. Now retired from his playing career, Carl runs the jewelry business that has been in his family for several generations. Carl recounts his two seasons in Orlando and the lifelong lessons he learned and friendships he made during his time with the Solar Bears.

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