After finishing 2017 with a record 4-0-1 streak, the Jacksonville Icemen (9-17-3-2, 23 pts) have yet to find the win column in the 2018 calendar year. However, they'll have another shot tonight against the Orlando Solar Bears (14-16-4-1, 33 pts) as Military Appreciation Weekend, presented by Nimnicht Family of Dealerships, continues at 7:30 p.m.
Last night's contest between the two in-state rivals broke an Icemen single-game record for penalty minutes. The Icemen compiled 56 PIM, while the Solar Bears added 53 PIM to combine for a total of 109 PIM. The Solar Bears were able to limit the Icemen to only 23 shots, and Cal Heeter was able to make some key saves to keep Orlando out front late in the game.
Not to be overlooked during the past few games is a power play that appears to be finally clicking. The Icemen have now scored on the man advantage in four straight games, a team record. Jimmy Lodge leads the team with three power play goals, and the Pennsylvania native enters tonight's game with a five-game point streak, which is his best stretch of games during the 2017-18 season, presented by Community First Credit Union.
Tonight's game is the final time the Orlando Solar Bears will play at Veterans Memorial Arena during the 2017-18 regular season. The Icemen haven't lost two consecutive games to the Solar Bears on home ice this season, and they can make sure that doesn't happen with a victory tonight.
Cheer on the Icemen as they take on the Orlando Solar Bears during Military Appreciation Weekend tonight at 7:30 p.m. from Veterans Memorial Arena. Get your tickets here!
Matchup Breakdown
Records:
Jacksonville Icemen: 9-17-3-2 (7th in South division)
Orlando Solar Bears: 14-16-4-1 (4th in South division)
Power Play:
Icemen: 12/120 – 10.0% (27th in ECHL)
Solar Bears: 29/177 – 16.4% (17th in ECHL)
Penalty Kill:
Icemen: 113/140 – 80.7% (22nd in ECHL)
Solar Bears: 140/170 – 82.4% (17th in ECHL)
Players to Watch:
#15 F Jansen Harkins (JAX)
2G, 2A – 4 Pts, 0 Rating
Harkins has been dominant since being assigned from the Manitoba Moose. He is only the second player in team history to have multi-point games in his first two games.
#23 F Hunter Fejes (ORL)
19G, 12A – 31 Pts, -1 Rating
Fejes collected a hat trick last night against the Icemen in only his second game with the Solar Bears.
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