For Immediate Release: September 25, 2017
Orlando Solar Bears Preview
The Cincinnati Cyclones will welcome in 14 different opponents to U.S. Bank Arena this season and we are going to take a closer look at each one. Up next in our preview series are the Orlando Solar Bears- ECHL affiliate of the Toronto Marlies (AHL) and the Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL). The Solar Bears make their return to the Cyclones' schedule following a one-year hiatus. Cincinnati and Orlando last met in the 2015-17 seasons, in a lone 4-3 shootout win for the Cyclones.
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2017-18 Schedule vs. Cincinnati:
Home: None
Away: 12/6, 12/7
Last Season:
2016-17 Regular Season Record: 36-26-7-3, 82 points. Fourth place in the South Division
2016-17 Leading Scorers:
Eric Faille – 27g-43a-70p, 57GP
Justin Buzzeo – 19g-44a-63p, 69GP
Joe Perry – 35g-19a-54p, 70GP
The Solar Bears and Cyclones were neck-and-neck over the last two months of the season, and managed to edge out Cincinnati by three points for the fourth and final playoff spot in the South Division, despite dropping five of their last six games. Orlando had a first-round matchup against the Florida Everblades where they jumped out to a 3-1 series lead but could not secure that fourth and deciding win and fell in seven games.
History:
Founded in 2012, the ECHL version of the Solar Bears are entering their sixth season in the League, having reached the Kelly Cup Playoffs in three of their first five seasons. The original edition of the Solar Bears were members of the International Hockey League from 1995-2001. The IHL Solar Bears reached the Turner Cup Playoffs in each of their six season, and won the Turner Cup in 2001, prior to the League Folding. They were also Eastern Conference Champions on three occasions (1995-96, 1998-99, 2000-01), and had 10 players take home individual awards.
Arena:
The Solar Bears play their games at the Amway Center, which also serves as the home of the National Basketball Associaltion’s (NBA) Orlando Magic. Opened in October of 2010 and located in downntown Orlando, the Amway Center has a total seating capacity of 20,000, with 17, 353 for hockey. In addition to the Solar Bears and Magic, the Amway Center plays host to a wide range of collegiate athletic events, national and internationally-renowned concerts and performances, and Arena Football.
The march towards 2017 First Face-Off is ON! The Cincinnati Cyclones return to U.S. Bank Arena on Saturday, October 14, when they take on the Kalamazoo Wings. In the meantime, we invite you to stay tuned in the coming weeks for information on tickets and promotions for the 2017-18 season, great offseason events like Concrete Clones, player signings, and MORE! Call (513) 421-PUCK for information regarding Cyclones Season and Group Tickets, and you can also get the latest team updates on Facebook, Twitter (@CincyCyclones), and Instagram, along with our website, www.cycloneshockey.com!
