Bears Bites | Week of Jan. 27

AT A GLANCE:
2024-25 RECORD: 21-18-6-0 (.533)
LAST WEEK’S RECORD: 1-1-1-0

2024-25 LEADERS:
TOP SCORER: Aaron Luchuk, Spencer Kersten - 38 points
MOST GOALS: Spencer Kersten – 16 goals
MOST ASSISTS: Aaron Luchuk – 23 assists
PIM LEADER: Kelly Bent – 150 PIM
PLUS-MINUS LEADER: Spencer Kersten - +12

LAST WEEK’S GAMES:
Monday, January 20 vs. Atlanta Gladiators: 8-5 W
Video Highlights | Box Score
In a wild game that saw Orlando's Jack Adams and Brayden Low record hat tricks and the Solar Bears record a single-game high for goals, the Bears hung on for an 8-5 win on Monday afternoon. Six Solar Bears players recorded multi-point games, including Mark Auk and Ben Carroll, who each recorded three points. Aaron Luchuk, who recorded two assists, became the new Solar Bears all-time leader in points, passing Tristin Langan with his 202nd point in a Solar Bear uniform.

Saturday, January 25 at Jacksonville Icemen: 4-5 OTL
Video Highlights | Box Score
For only the second time this season, the Solar Bears were unable to hold on to a second period lead, and fell at the hands of the Jacksonville Icemen 5-4 in overtime. The Solar Bears held leads of 3-0 and 4-1 in the game thanks to big nights for the line of Alex Frye (2g-1a), Jaydon Dureau (1g-1a), and Spencer Kersten (0g-2a). Tyler Bird also recorded his 15th goal of the season in the overtime defeat.

Sunday, January 26 vs. Jacksonville Icemen: 1-2 L
Video Highlights | Box Score
The Solar Bears opened the scoring Sunday afternoon on a power play goal from Ara Nazarian just over five minutes in to the first period. The Icemen would tie the game on a one-time by Ty Cheveldayoff. After a scoreless second period, the Icemen to the lead on a goal from defenseman Peter Tischke. Orlando pulled its goalie late in the game but could not find the equalizer, falling 2-1. This loss snaps Orlando's four game home winning streak, its longest of the 2024-25 season.

BITES: 

• Aaron Luchuk is the new Solar Bears all-time leading points scorer after recording his 202nd point in Monday's 8-5 win over Atlanta.
• Ryan Fanti is unbeaten in eight straight starts (7-0-1)
• Jaydon Dureau has 12 points in his last nine games (6g-6a)
• Jack Adams has four goals in his last four games.
• Spencer Kersten has 10 points in his last seven games (5g-5a)
• Orlando is 11-0-2 when leading after two periods this season.
• The Solar Bears held its opponent without a power play goal Sunday for the first time in four games. Longest such streak with a power play goal against this season.

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 - 25 GP, 14-4-6, .922%
• Mason Marchment - Forward - Dallas Stars - 33 GP, 12g-15a
• Ryan Reaves - Forward - Toronto Maple Leafs - 31 GP, 0g-2a
• Connor Ingram - Goaltender - Utah Hockey Club - 17 GP, 8-6-3, .880%