Orlando KIA Center – In an exciting but heartbreaking home game the Orlando Solar Bears lost to the Jacksonville Icemen 2-1 in overtime.
Having only won four home games so far this season, it’s always hard and never any fun to have to write an article about your home team losing – at home – again. But unfortunately, here I go. Other than the loss, this was a great game! The Solar Bears played hard and aggressive hockey Wednesday night (Dec. 18, 2024) in front of 5200+ Bear lovers. For them it was fun to watch; for me it was fun to shoot!
Solar Bears Period One
Though the first period ended with an even 0-0 score, it was anything but boring! The Icemen had 12 shots on goal compared to the Solar Bears’ eight. This forced Bear goalie Alexis Gravel into his element, making the unbelievable saves we are so accustomed to seeing him make! The rest of the Bear squad played and skated with such intensity that it made everyone in the stands think this game was going to be a winner.
Period Two
The first to find the back of the net was Iceman Zach Jordan in the eleventh minute of the second period. Though this period saw 14 shots on goal by the Solar Bears compared to Jacksonville’s 13, the second intermission score was only 1-0.
Solar Bears SCORE!
It only took five minutes into the third period, however, for the Bears to even the score! Taking advantage of a rebounded shot on goal by Spencer Kersten, Jack Adams slaps the puck into the net and commences to get mugged by his celebrating team members! The hard skating and gritty battles for the puck intensified for the remaining 15 minutes with no glory from either side, sending the game into seven minutes of overtime.
Overtime
The Orlando Solar Bears had two quality shots on goals that got everyone out of their seats, yet it was the Icemen’s Garrett Van Wyhe who ended the game with his goal four minutes into overtime play.
Come See A Solar Bears Game!
The KIA Center can accommodate 9,049 people for hockey games. There is plenty of room for you to – as Neil Diamond suggested – “pack up the babies and grab the old ladies and everyone goes” downtown for a fun night of hockey! There are plenty of affordable ticket packages for you to choose from and come cheer on our only Orlando professional hockey team, the Orlando Solar Bears!
The next home game is this Sunday (Dec. 22, 2024) against the South Carolina Stingrays! Come join the fun in the Teddy Bear Toss!
