Abbandonato scores twice for Solar Bears in 4-3 win over Everblades

ORLANDO, Fla. — Peter Abbandonato scored twice, including the eventual game-winner, to lead the Orlando Solar Bears (5-3-0-0) to a 4-3 victory over the Florida Everblades (8-3-0-0) on Friday night at the AdventHealth Rink at Amway Center.

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Ryan Lohin opened the scoring when he deflected a shot from Alexander Kuqali at 6:01 of the first period for his team-leading fifth of the season, and Aaron Luchuk tallied his second of the year at 11:56.

Abbandonato deflected a shot from Jerry D’Amigo at 15:55 of the first period to give Orlando a 3-0 lead, then jammed the puck past Devin Cooley at 11:25 of the second frame to make it 4-2 for the hosts.

Michael Huntebrinker’s shorthanded goal at 1:39 of the third period made it a one-goal game, but the Solar Bears shut down the opposing offense the rest of the way to secure the win.

Clint Windsor picked up the win with 27 saves on 30 shots against, including a highlight-reel glove save on Myles Powell midway through the first period; Cooley took the loss and went 21-for-25.

NOTABLES:

• Mark Auk picked up a pair of assists in his debut after he was claimed off waivers from Rapid City earlier this week; Auk is tied for second among all ECHL defensemen with seven assists for the season
• Rookie defenseman Luke McInnis made his professional debut tonight for Orlando
• Alan Lyszczarczyk picked up an assist on Luchuk’s goal for his first point in his Solar Bears debut
• Luchuk led Orlando with five shots on goal  

THREE STARS:

1) Peter Abbandonato - ORL2) Mark Auk - ORL3) Alexander Kuqali - ORL

NEXT GAME:

The Solar Bears visit the Jacksonville Icemen at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena on Saturday, Jan. 9 at 7 p.m. The Solar Bears are back on home ice at the AdventHealth Rink at Amway Center against the Florida Everblades on Saturday, Jan. 16 at 7 p.m.

2020-21 Season Ticket Memberships on Sale Now:

Upgrade to Solar Status and become a Season Ticket Member today. Season ticket memberships for the 2020-21 season are now on sale and start as little as $279 – CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.

New Mobile App: 

Download the new Orlando Solar Bears mobile app today — get access to your game tickets, news, updates and more! Download in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store today.

2020-21 Season Presented by XYMOPrint:

The 2020-21 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 Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning and members of the ECHL, the premier “AA” hockey league in North America. In eight 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 the AdventHealth Rink 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.