Bear Bites | Week of Feb. 5

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: 20-14-6-2 (.51)
LAST WEEK’S RECORD: 0-2-2-0
RECORD IN LAST 10 GAMES: 0-4-5-1
EASTERN CONFERENCE PLACE: 6th of 14

ACTIVE LEADERS:
TOP SCORER: Mitchell Hoelscher – 39 points
MOST GOALS: Mitchell Hoelscher – 21 goals
MOST ASSISTS: Ben Carroll – 22 assists
PIM LEADER: Jimmy Mazza – 54 PIM
PLUS-MINUS LEADER: Jimmy Mazza - +13

LAST WEEK’S GAMES:
Monday, January 29 vs. Atlanta: 2-3 L
The Solar Bears were down 3-0 in the third period, but battled back in the final three minutes of the game on two goals from Mitchell Hoelscher. With the net empty, Orlando was unable to find the tying goal and fell to Atlanta, 3-2. All three goals by Atlanta came by way of special teams, with two on the power play and one shorthanded.

Friday, February 2 at Wheeling: 3-4 L
The Solar Bears spotted the Wheeling Nailers a three-goal first period lead Friday, which was enough for them to hold on to a 4-3 decision. Tanner Dickinson, Darik Angeli, and Jesse Jacques scored for the Solar Bears in the defeat. Aaron Luchuk tallied two assist for his eight multi-point game of the season.

Saturday, February 3 at Wheeling: 3-4 OTL
In game two of the series, the Solar Bears opened up a 3-1 lead in the second period after Brayden Low scored his second goal of the game and 15th of the season. The Nailers fought back with a late second period goal from Justin Addamo and tied the game in the third period. Addamo would score the game-winning goal in overtime while the Bears were on the penalty kill.

Sunday, February 4 at Wheeling: 3-4 OTL
Three Solar Bear power play goals had Orlando in a 3-0 lead just over one minute into the third period. Nine seconds after Hoelscher's second goal of the game, the Nailers scored a shorthanded goal to get on the board, starting their comeback. An even strength goal and a power play goal on the last of three straight minor penalties called on Orlando in a matter of 6:17 of play tied the game. In overtime, the Nailers scored 1:46 in to sweep the three-game series.

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)
• Jimmy Mazza appeared in his 200th professional game on Friday night in Wheeling, all of them in the ECHL with Reading, Adirondack, and Orlando.
• Mitchell Hoelscher became the first Solar Bear to 20 goals this season, scoring two power play goals Sunday at Wheeling. Hoelscher now has nine goals on the power play this season, tying Joe Perry's single-season mark from the 2016-17 season, putting him third all-time for most man-advantage goals in a single Solar Bears season.

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 - 32 GP, 17-11-1, .916%
• Darcy Kuemper - Goaltender - Washington Capitals - 24 GP, 11-11-2, .892%
• Mason Marchment - Forward - Dallas Stars - 48 GP, 16g-21a
• Ryan Reaves - Forward - Toronto Maple Leafs - 22 GP, 2g-0a
• Spencer Martin - Goaltender - Carolina Hurricanes - 1 GP, 1-0-0, .929%