ECHL Orlando Solar Bears

Petersen's Hat Trick Lifts Orlando to 5-3 Win

Published on October 25, 2012 under ECHL (ECHL)
Orlando Solar Bears News Release


Orlando, FL - LW Nick Petersen picked up the first hat trick in the ECHL history of the Orlando Solar Bears, helping Orlando to a 5-3 win over South Carolina at the Amway Center on Thursday Night.

Two early penalties from the Stingrays helped boost Orlando to a 2-0 lead early in the first period. C Ryan Cruthers finished off a tic-tac-toe passing play on a 5-on-3 power play, and F Olivier Fortier deflected in a shot from D Michael Wilson on the ensuing 5-on-4 advantage. Three minutes later, Stingrays F Shawn Weller deflected a shot from the point to cut the Orlando lead to 2-1 at 8:16 of the first. Petersen put Orlando back up by two when he hammered home a one-timer at 12:01. Weller kept pace for South Carolina, finishing off a three-on-two rush with just 1:29 to go. Orlando led 3-2 at the end of the opening stanza.

Midway through the second period, Petersen collected his second goal of the night. After stealing the puck in the neutral zone, Petersen bolted into the attacking end and buried a shot in the top right corner of the net to push Orlando to a 4-2 advantage heading into the second intermission.

South Carolina started the final period on a 5-on-3 power play, and 25 seconds in F Tyler McNeely found a rebound off the pads of G John Curry to once again bring the Stingrays to within a goal. Petersen gave Orlando some breathing room at 4:21 of the third, finishing off the hat trick and securing a 5-3 Solar Bears victory.

Orlando is at home against the Greenville Road Warriors on Sunday at 3:00 p.m.

Three Stars: 1. N. Petersen (ORL); 2. R. Cruthers (ORL); 3. J. Curry (ORL)

Power Plays: ORL: 2/4; SC: 1/4

Shots: ORL: 40; SC: 30

Notes:

LW Nick Petersen scored the first hat trick in the ECHL history of the Orlando Solar Bears. Petersen has registered at least two points in every game this season, and has 12 points in five games... C Ryan Cruthers (1 goal) and C Mathew Sisca (2 assists) have also picked up points in all five Solar Bears games this year... Orlando has taken at least 40 shots in three of their five games this year.

The Orlando Solar Bears, the ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Minnesota Wild and AHL's Houston Aeros, are in their Out of Hibernation and play all of their home games at the 2012 Street and Smith's Sports Business Journal Sports Facility of the Year, the Amway Center.

Individual tickets for all regular season home games are now on sale beginning as low as $15. To purchase your tickets, please visit www.OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.com or the Amway Center Box Office.

Follow the Solar Bears at www.OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.com, Facebook, and Twitter (@OrlandoHockey) for all the latest news and updates.

Season ticket plans are available now. Full and half season ticket plans range in price from $225-$1480 per season ticket (includes facility fee), reflecting a savings of up to 42% off box office pricing. Call the Solar Bears at 407-951-8200 to speak to a Ticket Sales Account Manager.

Group tickets are a great way to entertain employees, co-workers, clients, friends and family. For more information on discounted group tickets and a list of group benefits, call 407-951-8200.

Check out the Orlando Solar Bears Statistics



ECHL Stories from October 25, 2012


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