The Jacksonville Icemen faced off with their rivals, the Orlando Solar Bears, for their third match-up this week. The series tied between the two (1-1). The energy of this game demonstrated a lot of aggression that was relayed following Game Two, which took place the night before. Orlando was coming off strong after their 2-1 OT victory. However, the Iceman was the first to put the puck in the net. Coming off the Solar Bears’ power play and back into full strength, Iceman player Riley Fiddler-Schultz got his 15th goal of the season by chipping it over Solar Bear goalie Brandon Halverson. The goal was assisted by Logan Cockerill and Garrett Van Wyhe. Orlando did respond a minute later, scoring a late goal in the first period. Solar Bear Jesse Jacques connected with the puck, putting a wrist shot in the net. Assisted by Ryan Cox and Alex Frye.
The Iceman responded early in the second period with a goal at 2:15 by Riley Fiddler-Schultz, his second of the night, assisted by Oliver Nadeau and Chris Grando. The Icemen continued to fire shots at Orlando goalie Halverson, outshooting the Solar Bears 7 -1 in the first six minutes of the second period. Jacksonville would go on to outshoot Orlando 16 – 6. Both sides continued to play aggressively, as the refs broke up multiple disagreements throughout the game. Six out of nine penalties for the night were for roughing. The fans would cheer for the excitement, many of whom telling the refs to let them fight.
The third period remained tight between the two teams. But the Icemen would later score two go-ahead goals. Jerry D’Amigo would give himself the unassisted 2 v 1 goal, blasting the puck past Halverson for his 4th goal of the season and the 3rd goal of the night for the Icemen. Jacksonville fans would continue chanting and blast Halverson, telling him, “It’s all your fault ” (x3). Woohoo!” Orlando would try to pressure the Icemen as they pulled Halverson to add another man on the ice. However, the Icemen would take advantage as Brendan Harris would score on a 1 v 1 on the empty neat securing the win for Jacksonville. The atmosphere of the fans roared with excitement as Harris’ goal clinched the victory. Jacksonville goalie Joe Murdaca would have an outstanding night, saving 22 out of 23 shots. The Icemen would take the win 4 -1 over the Solar Bears, winning the series and extending their point streak to eight games. The Icemen are now just six points behind division leader Greenville.
Jacksonville will host their next opponent on Friday, February 16th, vs the Florida Everblades.
