Bear Bites | Week of April 21

ORLANDO, Fla. - The Orlando Solar Bears return home to the Kia Center for Games 3, 4, and 5* (if necessary) beginning tonight at 7pm. The Solar Bears trail the Best-of-Seven series, 2-0 following 5-3 and 4-3 losses in the first two games of the series.

Upcoming Schedule:
Monday, April 21 - Game Three vs. South Carolina - 7PM
Wednesday, April 23 - Game Four vs. South Carolina - 7PM
Thursday, April 24 - Give Five vs. South Carolina* - 7PM (*If Necessary)

#1 South Carolina Stingrays vs. #4 Orlando Solar Bears

Game 1 – at South Carolina, 3-5 L, SC leads 1-0
Game 2 – at South Carolina, 3-4 OTL, SC leads 2-0
Game 3 – Monday, April 21 at 7 p.m. at Orlando
Game 4 - Wednesday, April 23 at 7 p.m. at Orlando
*Game 5 - Thursday, April 24 at 7 p.m. at Orlando (If Necessary)
*Game 6 – Sunday, April 27 at 6:05 p.m. at South Carolina (If Necessary)
*Game 7 – Tuesday, April 29 at 7:05 p.m. at South Carolina (If Necessary)

AT A GLANCE:
2024-25 PLAYOFF RECORD: 0-1-1
LAST WEEK’S RECORD: 0-1-1

2024-25 PLAYOFF LEADERS:
TOP SCORER: Aaron Luchuk, Mark Auk - 3 points
MOST GOALS: Aaron Luchuk – 2 goals
MOST ASSISTS: Mark Auk – 3 assists
PIM LEADER: Kelly Bent – 10 PIM
PLUS-MINUS LEADER: Anthony Bardaro, Ara Nazarian - +3

LAST WEEK’S GAMES:
Friday, April 18 Game One at South Carolina: 3-5 L
Video Highlights | Box Score
The Solar Bears mounted a third period comeback with two goals in 31 seconds from Jack Adams and Anthony Bardaro to tie the game, but just 46 seconds later, South Carolina's Charlie Combs gave them a lead they would not relinquish in 5-3 decision.

Saturday, April 19 Game Two at South Carolina: 3-4 OTL
Video Highlights | Box Score
The Solar Bears needed a third period comeback once again in game two when Aaron Luchuk and Spencer Kersten scored with the Orlando net empty to tie the game, 3-3. South Carolina wasted little time in overtime, when Alex Suzdalev tallied the game-winning on the first shot of overtime at 2:06.

 BITES: 

• Aaron Luchuk and Mark Auk lead the Solar Bears with three points in the playoffs.
• Ara Nazarian has recorded 17 points in 22 career ECHL Playoff Games.
• Ryan O'Reilly is expected to make his playoff debut tonight vs. South Carolina.
• Orlando is meeting South Carolina in the Kelly Cup Playoffs for the third time. Orlando is 2-0 in their all-time meetings and holds an 8-3 head-to-head against South Carolina in the playoffs. Last meeting was 2019 South Division Semi-Final, ORL def SC, 4-1.

BEARS IN THE NHL:
Two former Solar Bears currently occupy spots on NHL rosters for the 2025 Playoff season – here we will track their progress:

• Darcy Kuemper - Goaltender - Los Angeles Kings - 0 GP, 0-0-0, .000%
• Mason Marchment - Forward - Dallas Stars - 1 GP, 0g-0a