Zachary Fucale named to Team Canada’s roster for Spengler Cup

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Orlando Solar Bears have announced that goaltender Zachary Fucale has been named to Team Canada’s roster for the 2019 Spengler Cup tournament, which will be held from Dec. 26-31 in Davos, Switzerland.

First held in 1923, the Spengler Cup is considered the oldest invitational ice hockey competition in the world. The tournament is annually played between host club HC Davos and five invited clubs. Since 1990, Team Canada has been the only participating team from North America, with the exception of the Rochester Americans in 1996 and 2013. Team Canada is tied with host club HC Davos for the most tournament championships with 15, and has also finished as runner-up 10 times.

Fucale, 24, has appeared in 15 games with the Solar Bears in 2019-20, going 5-6-3 with two shutouts, a 2.37 goals-against average and a save percentage of .927 while on loan to Orlando from the Syracuse Crunch of the American Hockey League. His .927 save percentage ranks fourth in the ECHL, and his 2.37 GAA ranks eighth.

This is Fucale’s third time representing his country in the Spengler Cup. Fucale previously led Team Canada to a first-place finish in the 2016 tournament, going 4-0-0 in four games with a 2.00 goals-against average and a save percentage of .934. Last season, the netminder appeared in four games and went 3-0-1, while allowing six goals for a 1.47 goals-against average and stopped 80 of 86 shots for a .930 save percentage in the tournament.

Fucale has also represented his country at the IIHF World Junior Championships in 2014 and 2015, leading Canada to its first gold medal finish in five years in the 2015 tournament, when he went 5-0-0 in five appearances with two shutouts, a 1.20 goals-against average and a save percentage of .939.

The 6-foot-2, 187-pound puck-stopper has appeared in 103 career ECHL games with Orlando, Fort Wayne and Brampton, going 53-30-8 with six shutouts, a 3.03 goals-against average and a save percentage of .902. He has also appeared in 68 career AHL games with Chicago, Laval and St. John’s, going 28-31-4 with two shutouts, a 3.09 goals-against average and a save percentage of .900.

Prior to turning pro, the native of Laval, Québec enjoyed a decorated junior career, playing for the Québec Remparts and Halifax Mooseheads of the Québec Major Junior Hockey League. In 204 total games, Fucale compiled a record of 134-49-14 with 13 shutouts, a 2.73 goals-against average and a save percentage of .898. During his time in the QMJHL, Fucale led Halifax to the President’s Cup and Memorial Cup championship in 2013, and guided Québec to the President’s Cup Finals and a Memorial Cup appearance in 2015.

Fucale was a second-round selection (#36 overall) by the Montréal Canadiens in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.

Fucale is expected to miss two games for the Solar Bears while playing for Team Canada, starting with Orlando’s game vs. Jacksonville on Dec. 26 and at South Carolina on Dec. 28.

NEXT GAMES:

The Solar Bears face the South Carolina Stingrays tonight at 7:05 p.m. at the North Charleston Coliseum. The Solar Bears return home to face the Jacksonville Icemen on Thursday, Dec. 26 at 7 p.m. for a Thirsty Thursday, presented by Coors Light; fans can take advantage of $5 domestic drafts during the game. CLICK HERE to purchase tickets for this game.

Purchase Single-Game Tickets:

Single-game tickets for all Solar Bears home games are now on sale at the Amway Center box office and Ticketmaster. CLICK HERE to download the calendar for the 2019-20 season.

Order New Jerseys:

The Orlando Solar Bears will wear new jerseys for the 2019-20 season. Replica jerseys are available for purchase online, with adult sizes available for $149.95 and youth sizes available for $109.95. Fans can visit bit.ly/OSBJerseys to place their order today.

2019-20 Season Ticket Memberships on Sale Now:

Upgrade to Solar Status and become a Season Ticket Member today. Season ticket memberships for the 2019-20 season are now on sale and start as little as $270 – CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.

2019-20 Season Presented by XYMOPrint:

The 2019-20 Orlando Solar Bears season is presented by XYMOPrint, Orlando’s digital printing experts. As a special offer, fans who call XYMOPrint at (888) 223-9390 from now until June 15, 2021 and reference the Solar Bears will receive 15% off their first order and a free Orlando Solar Bears poster!

About the Orlando Solar Bears:

The Orlando Solar Bears are the proud affiliate of the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning and members of the ECHL, the premier “AA” hockey league in North America. In seven seasons of operation, the team has qualified for the Kelly Cup Playoffs five times. The Solar Bears are owned and operated by the Orlando Magic and the DeVos Family, and play at Amway Center, the 2012 Street and Smith’s Sports Business Journal Sports Facility of the Year.

Officially licensed Orlando Solar Bears replica team jerseys, apparel, and headwear can be purchased at orlandosolarbearshockey.com/shop.