Bear Bites | Week of Nov. 11

AT A GLANCE:
2024-25 RECORD: 4-5-1-0 (.450)
LAST WEEK’S RECORD: 1-3-0-0

2024-25 LEADERS:
TOP SCORER: Three Players - 9 points
MOST GOALS: Tyler Bird – 6 goals
MOST ASSISTS: Brayden Low – 8 assists
PIM LEADER: Kelly Bent – 39 PIM
PLUS-MINUS LEADER: Alex Frye, Djibril Touré - +3

LAST WEEK’S GAME:
Monday, November 4 vs Savannah Ghost Pirates: 5-6 L
Video Highlights | Box Score
In a 1-1 second period tie, the Ghost Pirates scored four unanswered goals while on six consecutive power plays, all in the middle frame. The Solar Bears mounted a third period comeback, but could not catch the Ghost Pirates. Ara Nazarian scored twice for the Bears, while Jack Adams picked up three helpers.

Wednesday, November 6 vs. Atlanta Gladiators: 1-2 L
Video Highlights | Box Score
The Solar Bears never led Wednesday night, giving up a first period goal to Eric Neiley. Tyler Bird had the second period answer to tie it at 1-1 going into the third period. On a delayed penalty to Orlando, Joey Cipollone scored on a rebound to give the Gladiators the lead and the victory.

Friday, November 8 at Florida Everblades: 2-0 W
Video Highlights | Box Score
On 25 saves from rookie netminder Michael Simpson, the Solar Bears bounced back in a big way Friday night with a 2-0 shutout of the three-time defending Kelly Cup Champion, Florida Everblades in their first meeting of the season. Darik Angeli (3) and Anthony Bardaro (2) provided the offense for the Solar Bears in the victory.

Saturday, November 9 at Florida Everblades: 1-4 L
Video Highlights | Box Score
Behind a hat trick from Logan Lambdin, the Everblades got their revenge on the Bears Saturday night in a 4-1 decision. Aaron Luchuk (5) scored the Orlando goal in the second period. Ryan Fanti made 19 saves in net for the Solar Bears.

BITES: 

• Aaron Luchuk has 99 assists as a Solar Bear.
• Ben Carroll appeared in his 200th ECHL game Friday at Florida.
• Michael Simpson earned his first professional shutout Friday night with a 2-0 win over Florida. He becomes the first rookie Solar Bear goaltender to earn a shutout since Jack LaFontaine (12/2/22 at SAV - 28 saves)
• Alex Frye is tied for the league-lead with two shorthanded goals this season.
• The Solar Bears have killed off 13 of its last 14 shorthanded situation (92.8%)

BEARS IN THE NHL:
Several former Solar Bears currently occupy spots on NHL rosters for the 2024-25 season – here we will track their progress:

• Darcy Kuemper - Goaltender - Los Angeles Kings - 8 GP, 4-1-3, .900%
• Mason Marchment - Forward - Dallas Stars - 12 GP, 2g-6a
• Ryan Reaves - Forward - Toronto Maple Leafs - 13 GP, 0g-1a
• Connor Ingram - Goaltender - Utah Hockey Club - 12 GP, 6-3-3, .879%
• Spencer Martin - Goaltender - Carolina Hurricanes - 1 GP, 0-1-0, .821%