Bear Bites: Week of Dec. 20, 2021

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Solar Bears return home after a busy road trip for a pair of home games this week at the AdventHealth Rink at Amway Center. Orlando hosts Teddy Bear Toss, presented by Janney Roofing against the Atlanta Gladiators on Tuesday, Dec. 21, then a VyStar Credit Union Solar Bears Sunday against the Florida Everblades on Sunday, Dec. 26.

THIS WEEK’S GAMES:

• Tuesday, Dec. 21 vs. Atlanta Gladiators at 7 p.m. – Teddy Bear Toss, presented by Janney Roofing
• Sunday, Dec. 26 vs. Florida Everblades at 7 p.m. – VyStar Credit Union Solar Bears Sunday

Teddy Bear Toss, presented by Janney Roofing, is Tuesday, Dec. 21 at 7 p.m. when we host the Atlanta Gladiators at the AdventHealth Rink at Amway Center!

Fans are encouraged to bring new teddy bears and stuffed animals to throw onto the ice once the Solar Bears score their first goal of the game, which will be collected and distributed to local children and families in need during the holiday season.

Sunday’s game is a VyStar Credit Union Solar Bears Sunday – The first 100 VyStar members who present their VyStar debit/credit card at the Amway Center box office can score a free pair of tickets to the game. Once all 100 pairs are claimed, VyStar members cans till take advantage of a buy-one, get-one ticket offer. Visit vystarcu.org/solarbears for more info.

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.

AT A GLANCE

SEASON RECORD: 13-10-1-0LAST WEEK’S RECORD: 2-0-0-0RECORD IN LAST 10 GAMES: 5-5-0-0SOUTH DIVISION STANDINGS: 3rd of 7

ACTIVE LEADERSTOP SCORER: Aaron Luchuk – 24 pointsMOST GOALS: Aaron Luchuk – 11 goalsMOST ASSISTS: Michael Brodzinski and Aaron Luchuk – 13 assistsPIM LEADER: Chad Duchesne – 29 PIMPLUS-MINUS LEADER: Jake Transit – +4 

LAST WEEK’S GAMES:

Friday, Dec. 17 at Allen Americans: 6-2 WJoe Garreffa matched his previous career-bests for goals and assists to combine for a career-high four-point night, while Andrew McLean turned in a three-assist performance to help give the Solar Bears a 6-2 win over the Allen Americans. Newcomer Jake Transit scored in his pro debut, while Fabrizio Ricci netted the eventual game-winner on a shorthanded tally in the second period.

Saturday, Dec. 18 at Allen Americans: GAME POSTPONEDSaturday’s game was postponed by the ECHL per League Health and Safety Protocols. A make-up date has yet to be scheduled.

Sunday, Dec. 19 at Tulsa Oilers: 5-2 WZach Émond made 40 saves and the Solar Bears got goals from Andrew McLean, Jake Transit and Luke Boka within the first two periods to stake Orlando to a 3-1 lead, and Michael Brodzinski and Aaron Luchuk added empty-net goals to give Orlando its first road win streak of the season.

BITES:

• The Solar Bears are 11-0-0-0 when scoring first, and are the only Eastern Conference team with a 1.000 win percentage when scoring first.
• Jake Transit has begun his pro career for Orlando with a two-game goal-scoring streak.
• The Solar Bears are second in the ECHL with a power play operating at 25.8% (17-for-66).
• Kyle Topping had a career-high four-assist night on Sunday.
• Chad Duchesne needs two assists for 50 in his pro career.
• Orlando is 4-1-1-0 when leading after two periods on the road.
• Michael Brodzinski’s next game will be his 152nd with Orlando, tying him with Mike Monfredo and Scott Tanski for fourth in franchise history. Kevin Lohan is in third with 163.

Fans, students, parents and teachers can visit OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.com/teacher to nominate a Teacher of the Month. One teacher will be selected each month from November through February during the 2021-22 season and will receive a $100 Pizza Hut gift card, along with in-game recognition and a suite at a Solar Bears home 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

BEAR TRACKS PRESENTED BY PINK WHITNEY:

Steenn Pasichnuk was the guest on last week’s episode of Bear Tracks, presented by Pink Whitney by New Amsterdam Vodka, and he joined host Jesse Liebman as the two discussed Pasichnuk's time growing up in Alberta, the importance of family and its role in his decision to play college hockey at Arizona State University, his first two years of professional hockey, practicing on a line with an NHLer and his latest interest in the stock market and cryptocurrencies.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:

Former Solar Bears goaltender Garret Sparks made his first with the L.A. Kings on Sunday at Washington, making 33 saves for a 3-2 win and his first NHL victory since March of 2019!

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