Bear Bites | Week of Dec. 23

Browse single-game tickets for the 2024-25 season tickets

AT A GLANCE:
2024-25 RECORD: 13-13-4-0 (.500)
LAST WEEK’S RECORD: 2-0-1-0

2024-25 LEADERS:
TOP SCORER: Spencer Kersten - 24 points
MOST GOALS: Aaron Luchuk, Tyler Bird– 10 goals
MOST ASSISTS: Jack Adams, Spencer Kersten – 15 assists
PIM LEADER: Kelly Bent – 100 PIM
PLUS-MINUS LEADER: Djibril Touré - +9

LAST WEEK’S GAME:
Wednesday, December 18 vs. Jacksonville: 1-2 OTL
Video Highlights | Box Score
In a scoreless contest for over half of the game, Jacksonville broke through first in the second period on an odd-man rush. Orlando's Jack Adams tied the game in the third period to force overtime. Despite 35 saves from Alexis Gravel, the Solar Bears would fall in overtime on a Garret Van Whye goal.

Friday, December 20 at Atlanta Gladiators: 1-3 L
Video Highlights | Box Score
Atlanta opened the scoring early in the first period and added on its lead in the second period before Tyler Bird deflected in an Ara Nazarian backhand to make a 2-1 score. Orlando pulled its goalie in the third period in an attempt to tie the game, but relented an empty net goal to Carson Denomie.

Saturday, December 21 at Savannah Ghost Pirates : 3-2 W OT
Box Score
In another superior effort by goaltender Alexis Gravel, the game remained scoreless until the second when Kai Schwindt scored shorthanded for the Ghost Pirates. Kelly Bent tied the game on his first goal of the season in third, but just over a minute later, Savannah scored again to take the lead back. With just 1:29 remaining, Anthony Bardaro scored to force overtime. In the extra period, it was Bardaro again who came through with the deciding goal to give Orlando the road victory.

Sunday, December 22 vs. South Carolina Stingrays: 5-0 W
Video Highlights | Box Score
Alexis Gravel recorded a 52-save shutout, the most saves in an Orlando shutout in team history, leading the Solar Bears to a 5-0 victory of the Stingrays, Sunday. Kris Myllari, Hudson Thornton, Aaron Luchuk, and Spencer Kersten each recorded two point games for the Bears. It was the second time this season the Solar Bears shutout its opponent and first at home this season.

BITES: 

• Alexis Gravel made his ninth start of the season Sunday allowing two goals or less.
• Andrew Coxhead recorded his first professional goal Sunday vs. South Carolina.
• Jack Adams played in his 100th ECHL game Sunday vs. South Carolina.
• Ara Nazarian recorded his 100th ECHL assist on Saturday at Savannah.
• The Solar Bears are 8-0-0-0 when leading after two periods.
• The Solar Bears are 6-0-2-0 in road games decided by one goal.

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 - 16 GP, 8-2-5, .911%
• Mason Marchment - Forward - Dallas Stars - 31 GP, 12g-15a
• Ryan Reaves - Forward - Toronto Maple Leafs - 24 GP, 0g-1a
• Connor Ingram - Goaltender - Utah Hockey Club - 13 GP, 6-4-3, .871%
• Spencer Martin - Goaltender - Carolina Hurricanes - 9 GP, 3-4-1, .886% - Returned to Chicago AHL
• Tye Felhaber - Forward - Colorado Avalanche - 1 GP, 0g-1a - NHL Debut Dec. 16, 2024 at Vancouver