
Bear Bites - Solar Bears Update
December 18, 2023 - ECHL (ECHL)
Orlando Solar Bears News Release
ORLANDO, Fla. - The Solar Bears started the week with a 5-3 loss on home ice to South Carolina and split two of their three game series against the Florida Everblades, before Sunday night's game was postponed due to unforeseen ice conditions due to a power outage caused by Saturday night's storms.
THIS WEEK'S GAMES:
Thursday, December 21, 7:00 p.m.. at Savannah Ghost Pirates
Friday, December 22, 7:05 p.m., at Greenville Swamp Rabbits
Saturday, December 23, 7:00 p.m., at Atlanta Gladiators
Browse single-game tickets for the 2023-24 season
The Orlando Solar Bears, along with VyStar Credit Union, have announced the launch of a co-branded debit card, available now for all VyStar Credit Union members.
Fans can get a Solar Bears debit card when they open a VyStar account with a minimum balance of $5 at any branch location. They can also apply for membership online at apply.vystarcu.org but will need to visit a branch to get a Solar Bears card. Current members can request a co-branded card by visiting a branch, calling 800-445-6289 or speaking to a VyChat representative at www.vystarcu.org.
VyStar player appearances are back!
Come meet some Solar Bears on Thursday, February 8 at VyStar Credit Union's Altamonte Springs Branch! VyStar will be raffling off two (2) signed Solar Bears jerseys. To enter, you must scan a QR Code that will be on site. You must be present to win.
Where: 151 N. SR 434, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714
When: 1:45-2:45 pm
AT A GLANCE:
SEASON RECORD: 11-9-1-1 (.545)
LAST WEEK'S RECORD: 1-2-0-0
RECORD IN LAST 10 GAMES: 5-4-1-0
EASTERN CONFERENCE PLACE: 9th of 14
ACTIVE LEADERS:
TOP SCORER: Mitchell Hoelscher - 19 points
MOST GOALS: Mitchell Hoelscher - 7 goals
MOST ASSISTS: Mitchell Hoelscher- 10 assists
PIM LEADER: Tyler Bird - 31 PIM
PLUS-MINUS LEADER: Chris Harpur - +7
LAST WEEK'S GAMES:
*The dates of the games in the previous Bear Bites were incorrect. They have been corrected.*
Tuesday, December 12 vs South Carolina: 3-5 L
With the game tied at one in the second period, South Carolina scored three unanswered goals to take a 4-1 lead. Third period goals from Jaydon Dureau and Alex Frye brought the Bears to within one goal, but an empty net goal from Johnny Evans sealed a 5-3 decision for the Stingrays.
Friday, December 15 at Florida: 1-4 L
The Solar Bears offense sputtered Friday night in Estero, generating just 23 shots on goal. Ben Carroll broke through for Orlando in the second period to make it a 3-1 Florida lead but the Blades would extend their lead in to 4-1 in the third.
Saturday, December 16 at Florida: 5-1 W
Orlando's offense came to life on Saturday night in Estero. Powered by a four-point night from Mitchell Hoelscher and two goals from Alex Fortin, the Solar Bears split the two games in Estero with a 5-1 victory. Brandon Halverson stopped 23 shots for his fourth victory of the season.
BITES:
Mitchell Hoelscher scored four points Saturday night (1g-3a) for a new professional single-game, career-high. Hoelscher became the second Solar Bear player this season to score four points in a single game. (Mazza - 11/10 at SAV)
Alex Frye has four points in his last three games, including a new professional single-game career-high on Tuesday night vs. South Carolina (1g-2a)
Jaydon Dureau has two multi-point games in his last three appearances (2g-2a).
The Solar Bears are 8-0-0-1 when leading after two periods this season.
BEARS IN THE NHL:
Several former Solar Bears currently occupy spots on NHL rosters for the 2023-24 season - here we will track their progress:
Connor Ingram - Goaltender - Arizona Coyotes - 19 GP, 12-6-0, .923%
Darcy Kuemper - Goaltender - Washington Capitals - 15 GP, 7-6-2, .897%
Mason Marchment - Forward - Dallas Stars - 29 GP, 10g-10a
Ryan Reaves - Forward - Toronto Maple Leafs - 21 GP, 1g-0a
Spencer Martin - Goaltender - Columbus Blue Jackets - 11 GP, 2-7-1, .892%
ECHL Stories from December 18, 2023
- Americans Weekly - Allen Americans
- ECHL Transactions - December 18 - ECHL
- Jared Moe Signs PTO with AHL's Texas Stars - Idaho Steelheads
- Zachary Massicotte Returns to Solar Bears - Orlando Solar Bears
- Rush Call Up Defenseman Kyle Soper - Rapid City Rush
- Komets Climb to 2nd Place in Central - Fort Wayne Komets
- Icemen's Christopher Brown Named ECHL Player of the Week - Jacksonville Icemen
- Jacksonville's Brown Named Inglasco/ECHL Player of the Week - ECHL
- Bear Bites - Solar Bears Update - Orlando Solar Bears
- Thunder Weekly, December 18, 2023 - Wichita Thunder
- Stingrays Weekly Report- December 18 - South Carolina Stingrays
- Taylor Gauthier Named Warrior Hockey ECHL Goaltender of the Week - Wheeling Nailers
- Wheeling's Gauthier Named Warrior Hockey/ECHL Goaltender of the Week - ECHL
- Oil Drops: Tulsa Oilers Weekly Report - December 18, 2023 - Tulsa Oilers
- K-Wings Weekly: Kalamazoo Takes 5-Of-6 with 8 Nights of Holiday Family Fun Next - Kalamazoo Wings
- Maine Mariners Partner with Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation for "Vs. Cancer Night" - Maine Mariners
- Royals Youth Hockey Clinics - December & January Update - Reading Royals
- Walleye Weekly No. 9: December 18, 2023 - Toledo Walleye
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Other Recent Orlando Solar Bears Stories
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- Thank You, Solar Bears Fans - What a Season
- Bear Bites - Solar Bears Update

