ECHL South Division Semifinals – Game 7 Recap: Orlando Solar Bears vs South Carolina Stingrays

The Orlando Solar Bears made a visit to the South Carolina Stingrays in Charleston for the final time this season for Game 7. The Kelly Cup Playoffs South Division Semifinals series deadlocked at three. Tonight’s game decides who advances to the Kelly Cup Playoffs South Division Final against the Florida Everblades, and who starts the offseason. Orlando has put Jon Gillies back in the net after the three explosive wins he gave them. Seth Eisele makes his second appearance for South Carolina after the win in game five.

First Period

Orlando takes the faceoff, and things get physical early on. Great hockey results in the first penalty with 9:28 left on the clock. Orlando’s Jack Adams called for interference after knocking Tyler Weiss’s stick out of his hands. South Carolina was unable to capitalize on the power play (PP). Twenty-four seconds left in the first, South Carolina’s Reilly Webb gets a high-sticking call against Orlando’s Alex Frye. Orlando closes the period on a PP. Tight plays and massive hits kept the shots tight, leaving Gillies and Eisele tied at eight saves.

Second Period

Tied at naught, with 1:36 on Orlando’s PP, the puck drops, and Orlando has the man advantage. Killing off the penalty, South Carolina returns to full strength and heads to their second PP. Courtesy of Orlando’s Milo Roelens. Still unable to make anything on the PP’s, the period sees a few offsides, but no calls on the penalties occurring. 4:57 left in the period, and Orlando’s Hudson Thornton scores the first goal of the game. Both teams increasing the pressure with each hit, and Tyson Feist puts South Carolina back on the PP with a slashing penalty.

Third Period

The third period was a testament to the team’s determination. Orlando took the faceoff, and the players got down to business. The period started with tight playing, leading to a low shooting percentage. The game remained close throughout, with both teams increasing the pressure on each other. South Carolina managed to get five shots on goal, while Orlando had four. Jon Gillies remained on point in the crease, shutting the door to any potential goals. South Carolina pulled Eisele for the last two minutes of the period, taking advantage of the extra attacker. However, with eleven seconds left on the clock, Reece Newkirk‘s empty net goal ended South Carolina’s season. Orlando managed to shut out South Carolina for the first time this season at home, with Jon Gilles making 22 shots and saves, and Seth Eisele making 25 shots and 24 saves.

Three Stars of the Game For the Orlando Solar Bears

All from the Orlando Solar Bears

First Star: Jon Gillies
Second Star: Hudson Thornton
Third Star: Jack Adams

Upcoming For the Orlando Solar Bears

The Orlando Solar Bears will head to Estero to prepare for the final series in the South Division Championship. The Solar Bears will take on the four-time defending champion Florida Everblades. The Everblades are sweeping the Jacksonville Icemen for the second season. The South Carolina Stingrays, this season’s Brabham Cup Champion, ended the season with a 52-15 regular season record and a 3-4 postseason record. Game 1 is Friday in Estero.