A huge second period by the Orlando Solar Bears proved too much for the Jacksonville Icemen Thursday night in Orlando, as the Solar Bears defeated the Icemen 6-1 in a must-win game for Jacksonville.
The Icemen struck first when Tyson Fawcett buried a rebound on the power play at 8:45 in the first period. On Jacksonville's next man-advantage, Orlando would tie the game on a short-handed goal by Hunter Fejes. With one second left in the frame, Orlando's Joe Perry notched his first-of-three goals for the night giving the Solar Bears a 2-1 lead heading into the locker room.
In the second period, the Solar Bears peppered Icemen goalie Austin Lotz with shots. Perry and Fejes both found the back of the net again, while Mike Monfredo also scored in the frame for the Solar Bears. Orlando's three-goal period would be Lotz's last of the contest, as Alex Sakellaropoulos would take over to start the third, down 1-5. Just as the clock was about to expire on a scoreless third period, Orlando's Perry once again squeaked a last-second goal past Jacksonville.
Jacksonville's loss means the Atlanta Gladiators have secured the fourth and final playoff spot in the South. The Icemen head home following a seven-game road stretch for a Friday/Saturday set against South Carolina. Full schedule and tickets at www.JacksonvilleIcemen.com/schedule.
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