Orlando KIA Center – The Orlando Solar Bears lose two back-to-back home games bringing the disappointing home tally to five. Their only home win this season was October 26 – the 2-1 home opener against the Savannah Ghost Pirates.
Solar Bears vs Atlanta Gladiators
The latest loss was at the “School Day Game” Tuesday morning, Nov. 19, an annual field trip for K-12 schools in Central Florida. With a 10:30 AM puck drop, the Solar Bears proceeded to get spanked by the Gladiators, 4-0, in front of a couple thousand kids. Though the children were having a lot of fun and didn’t really seem to care what was happening, it was a tough game to watch for the adults. And surely even tougher for our Bears to experience, as shot after shot was denied.
Solar Bears vs Savannah Ghost Pirates
On Sunday, Nov. 17, the Bears skated against the Ghost Pirates for the seventh time in regular season play, and the third time here at the KIA Center. A nice Sunday afternoon hockey game, the puck dropped at 3:00 PM and everyone in the arena could tell both teams came to play!
On loan from the Belleville Senators of the AHL (American Hockey League), Forward Jake Chiasson played his first game with the Solar Bears. Scoring nine goals for the Fort Wayne Komets in the 2023-2024 season, Chiasson’s presence on the ice with the Bears will hopefully add some “W’s” to the team stats.
Losing this hard-fought game 3-2 brought the fourth home loss. The Pirates scored a goal in each of the three periods, while the Bears scored both their goals in the second.
Orlando Has a Professional Hockey Team
It’s hard to write uplifting articles on games your team has lost. Yes Orlando, your team. By the looks of all the empty seats during the Solar Bears’ home games, it’s obvious that most of Orlando doesn’t even know we have a professional hockey team. Or just doesn’t care. How sad is it that the Orlando Sentinel never has anything about the games – win or lose – in the paper after the games? No photos, no stats, not a single mention that a hockey game was even played.
It is simple human nature to do better when you know you have support. I believe if the Orlando Solar Bears saw more support, they’d win more games – home and away.
Support the Solar Bears!
Games are not expensive. The times are convenient and there are even Sunday afternoon games! There is also convenient, inexpensive parking directly across the street from the KIA Center in the Geico Garage. Come on out and see for yourself! You will want ear protection, though, because it gets loud (but it’s fun-loud)!
