Turning point: Connor Kurth’s goal at 11:19 of the second period pushed the last-place Orlando Solar Bears in front, beating the visiting Jacksonville Icemen 6-3 on Dec. 30 in the Kia Center as ECHL hockey returned to action after a two-day strike.
Three stars: 1. Reece Newkirk, Orlando (four assists). 2. Tyler Bird, Orlando (one goal, one assist). 3. Jack Adams, Orlando (one goal, two assists).
Penalty box: The Solar Bears (10-14-2-1) twice scored on the power play in the second period, with Milo Roelens and Adams on target. … Jacksonville (13-14-0-0) had no power-play opportunities in the entire game.
Around the rink: The Icemen three times clawed back from one-goal deficits, with Ryan Pitoscia, Taos Jordan and Brody Crane scoring. … Logan Britt netted his first goal of the season for the Solar Bears and Aaron Luchuk also scored late. … Jacksonville lost despite outshooting the hosts 37-27. … Icemen goaltender Michael Bullion made 21 saves but also picked up two penalties for roughing and tripping.
Up next: The Icemen return home for a 7 p.m. game on Saturday, Jan. 3, facing the Greenville Swamp Rabbits at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Icemen stumble against last-place Solar Bears in ECHL return
Reporting by Clayton Freeman, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union / Florida Times-Union
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