Bear Bites | Week of Dec. 25

ORLANDO, Fla. – It was a big week for your Solar Bears as the Hockey Club took all three games of a long road trip before holiday break. Now just one point back of Jacksonville for third place, the Solar Bears refocus on the week ahead, looking for their fifth win in a row Thursday night at Kia Center.

THIS WEEK’S GAMES:

• Thursday, December 28, 7:00 p.m., vs. South Carolina Stingrays
• Saturday, December 30, 6:05 p.m., at South Carolina Stingrays

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.

VyStar player appearances are back! 

Come meet some Solar Bears on Thursday, February 8 at VyStar Credit Union's Altamonte Springs Branch! VyStar will be raffling off two (2) signed Solar Bears jerseys. To enter, you must scan a QR Code that will be on site. You must be present to win.

Where: 151 N. SR 434, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714
When: 1:45-2:45 pm
 

AT A GLANCE:
SEASON RECORD: 14-9-1-1 (.600)
LAST WEEK’S RECORD: 3-0-0-0
RECORD IN LAST 10 GAMES: 6-4-0-0
EASTERN CONFERENCE PLACE: 6th of 14

ACTIVE LEADERS:
TOP SCORER: Mitchell Hoelscher – 22 points
MOST GOALS: Mitchell Hoelscher – 9 goals
MOST ASSISTS: Mitchell Hoelscher – 13 assists
PIM LEADER: Tyler Bird – 31 PIM
PLUS-MINUS LEADER: Chris Harpur - +10

LAST WEEK’S GAMES:

Thursday, December 21 at Savannah: 2-1 W
Led by a 41-save performance from Colten Ellis, the Solar Bears held on to a 2-1 decision on Thursday night in Savannah. All three scorers in the game were defenseman, including the game-winning goal by Zachary Massicotte with 10:06 remaining. Ben Carroll also scored in the Orlando victory.

Friday, December 22 at Greenville: 7-2 W
After giving up the opening goal to Greenville, the Solar Bears scored the next five goals en route to a 7-2 trouncing of the first-place, Swamp Rabbits in their first meeting of the season. Aaron Luchuk provided three goals, while Tanner Schachle tallied a career-high, four points (1g-3a). 12 Solar Bears players recorded at least one point in the victory.

Saturday, December 23 at Atlanta: 5-1 W
After allowing the first goal to Atlanta, the Solar Bears seized momentum and waltzed their way to a perfect weekend with a 5-1 victory in Atlanta. Aaron Luchuk led the way for Orlando with a goal and two assists, and veteran forwards Alex Fortin and Brayden Low recorded two points for the Solar Bears. Ellis was excellent in goal, stopping 32 shots.