Orlando, FL - The Solar Bears struck for the first goal of the night with a power play marker midway through the first, but Florida answered for two in the second to defeat Orlando 2-1 at the Amway Center on Saturday night.
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The Solar Bears were able to take advantage of an early power play to strike for the the goal of the night. A five-minute major and game-misconduct for kneeing was issued to Florida F Carl Nielson, and late on the man-advantage F Ian Slater slapped a rebound out of midair and into the back of the net to give the Solar Bears a 1-0 lead. F Mike Ullrich and forward C.J. Severyn each assisted on the goal scored at 8:33 of the frame.
Florida tied the game early in the second period. F Brandon MacLean found a loose puck at the top of the Solar Bears crease and lifted it over G Christopher Gibson to tie the game 1-1 just 1:03 into the frame. MacLean added his second of the night shorthanded at 13:58 on a rebound on a shot from F Trevor Bruess as the Everblades held the 2-1 lead going into the third.
Orlando pushed for the tying goal in the final frame, but G Jesse Deckert and the Everblades held the Solar Bears off the board in the third stanza to take the 2-1 victory. Solar Bears netminder Christopher Gibson stopped a season-high 37 shots in the game, including stopping 20 of 22 shots in the second period.
Three Stars: 1. B. MacLean (FLA); 2. J. Deckert (FLA); 3. C. Gibson (ORL) Power Plays: ORL: 1/6; FLA: 0/8 Shots: ORL: 24; FLA: 39
Notes: D Myles Harvey played his first professional game tonight... The Solar Bears played their sixth game in eight days in four different cities, ending with today's game... G Christopher Gibson set a new season high for Orlando with 37 saves in the game. He also set a season high for saves in a single period stopping 20 of 22 in the second frame... F Ian Slater has now scored goals in back-to-back games.
Military Appreciation Weekend Next Week: The Solar Bears are holding Military Appreciation Weekend for their games against the Toledo Walleye next Sunday and Monday, November 10th and 11th. In honor of the military, the Solar Bears will wear special military themed camouflage jerseys. To get tickets, call 407-951-8200 or visit www.OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.com.