Bear Bites | Week of Feb. 12

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.

Join select Solar Bears Players at Victory Martial Arts on Friday, February 16 for a special karate class from 5:30-7:00 p.m.

Location: Victory Martial Arts, 150 Alafaya Woods Blvd, Unit 104, Oviedo, FL 32765

*You must be 3 years old or older to participate in the class with the players*

Click Here to RSVP

AT A GLANCE:
SEASON RECORD: 21-16-6-2 (.556)
LAST WEEK’S RECORD: 1-2-0-0
RECORD IN LAST 10 GAMES: 1-5-3-1
EASTERN CONFERENCE PLACE: 8th of 14

ACTIVE LEADERS:
TOP SCORER: Mitchell Hoelscher – 40 points
MOST GOALS: Mitchell Hoelscher – 21 goals
MOST ASSISTS: Ben Carroll – 23 assists
PIM LEADER: Kelly Bent – 73 PIM
PLUS-MINUS LEADER: Jimmy Mazza - +10

LAST WEEK’S GAMES:
Wednesday, February 7 at Jacksonville: 1-4 L
The Solar Bears opened the scoring in the first minute of the game on Ryan Mahshie's first professional goal. Orlando would be shut down the rest of the contest by Matt Vernon, who stopped 31 shots in relief of Michael Houser, who left the game in the first period. Chris Grando and Brendan Harris each recorded two goals for the Icemen in the game.

Friday, February 9 vs. Jacksonville: 2-1 W OT
The Solar Bears snapped a season-long, 11-game slide on Friday night with a thrilling 2-1 overtime win on Friday night. The Icemen opened the scoring in the first period, but Tyler Bird tied the game in the second. With the Solar Bears holding Jacksonville off the scoreboard on three straight power plays in the third period, Darik Angeli won the game for Orlando scoring 1:04 into the overtime period.

Saturday, February 10 at Jacksonville: 1-4 L
The Solar Bears dominated the first period, outshooting the Icemen 10-3 in the opening but was tied 1-1 after one period. Jesse Jacques scored the first period goal for the Bears. Riley Fiddler-Schultz scored twice for the Icemen including the game-winning goal and former Solar Bear Jerry D'Amigo tallied a goal and an assist in the 4-1 decision.

BITES: 

• Aaron Luchuk is one point away from 250 in his professional career. 140 of those points have come in a Solar Bears uniform, ranking him third all-time in Solar Bears history. (Tristin Langan - 201, Michael Brodzinski - 165)
• Darik Angeli is two assists away from 200 in his professional career.

BEARS IN THE NHL:
Several former Solar Bears currently occupy spots on NHL rosters for the 2023-24 season – here we will track their progress:

• Connor Ingram - Goaltender - Arizona Coyotes - 34 GP, 17-12-1, .912%
• Darcy Kuemper - Goaltender - Washington Capitals - 27 GP, 11-12-3, .894%
• Mason Marchment - Forward - Dallas Stars - 51 GP, 16g-25a
• Ryan Reaves - Forward - Toronto Maple Leafs - 22 GP, 2g-0a
• Spencer Martin - Goaltender - Carolina Hurricanes - 1 GP, 1-0-0, .929%