The Icemen's first trip to Orlando in the 2017-18 season presented by Community First Credit Union didn't provide the result the club was hoping for. In a tightly contested game, the Solar Bears finished strong to take their second straight win by a score of 4-1.
Orlando opened the scoring at 10:35 into the first period with a goal by Martins Dzierkals, his second of the season. Once again, the Icemen did a good job of responding and newcomer Tanner Eberle tied the game at one. In his debut game for the Icemen, Tyson Fawcett recorded the primary assist on Eberle's goal and Pearce picked up the secondary helper. Despite outshooting the Bears 16-7, the Icemen headed to the locker room tied at one.
In a defensive battle, both teams were having trouble getting quality scoring chances. Before the halfway point of the second period, Dzierkals would strike again, this time from the right circle. After the goal, the Bears were rolling and Phillips faced a flurry of shots. Later in the period, Phillips stopped Jean Dupuy on a 2-on-1 breakaway with his goalie stick, making the stop an early candidate for save of the year.
Down 2-1 entering the third period, the Icemen hoped to be the third team to come from behind in the final frame to beat the Bears on home ice this season. However, Orlando had other plans and padded their lead when Kyle Rankin put home a rebound off Phillip's right pad. With the goalie pulled, the Icemen gave its all, but would end up surrendering an empty net goal to put the game away.
For the fourth time this season, the Icemen will have to finish a back-to-back series on Wednesday. Jacksonville hopes to end the three-game losing streak as both teams head north for the third meeting between both clubs.
It's not too late to get your tickets to tomorrow's rivalry game between the Orlando Solar Bears and the Jacksonville Icemen. Fans can click here to catch all the action live from Veterans Memorial Arena on Wednesday, Nov. 22 at 7:30 p.m.
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