Atlanta's Asselin tricks Solar Bears in 5-4 OT loss

DULUTH, Ga. – Blake Kessel’s third period power-play goal helped the Orlando Solar Bears (15-15-5-1) secure a point, but Samuel Asselin’s scored the game-winner in overtime to complete a hat trick performance and give the Atlanta Gladiators (17-20-0-0) a 5-4 victory over Orlando on Friday night at Infinite Energy Arena.

Box Score

The game featured multiple lead changes, as Orlando rallied from a 2-0 deficit in the second period with goals from Johno May (7:51), Taylor Cammarata (15:12) and Jake Coughler (19:39) to take a 3-2 lead into the dressing room at the intermission. Two early third-period goals from the Gladiators restored the edge in favor of the home team.

A delay of game penalty to Atlanta’s Joel Messner put the Solar Bears on the man advantage, and Kessel’s wrist shot beat Chris Nell at 13:52 for his third of the season to bring the score even at 4-4.

Asselin ultimately won it for Atlanta when he cut through the slot and beat Zachary Fucale at 1:08 of the extra period.

Fucale took the overtime loss for Orlando with 31 saves on 36 shots against; Nell picked up the win for Atlanta by going 33-for-37.

THREE STARS:

1. Samuel Asselin – ATL
2. Blake Kessel – ORL
3. Derek Nesbitt – ATL  

OTHER NOTABLES:

• Orlando remains unbeaten in regulation against the Gladiators this season with a 3-0-2-0 record against Atlanta
• Cammarata’s goal at 15:12 of the second period during a four-on-four sequence tied the score at 2-2 and gave the forward his first goal with his new club after his acquisition earlier in the week from Idaho; Cammarata has two points (2g-2a) in his first two games with Orlando
• Peter Abbandonato picked up two assists and now has a five-game point streak (2g-6a)
• May’s goal extended his point streak to four games (2g-2a)  

NEXT GAMES:

The Solar Bears continue their six-game road trip when they face the Jacksonville Icemen at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena on Saturday, Jan. 18 at 7 p.m. The Solar Bears return home to face the Jacksonville Icemen on Thursday, Jan. 23 for a Thirsty Thursday, presented by Coors Light – fans can take advantage of $5 domestic draft beers 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.