After a time on the injured reserve list, I’m back to catch you up on all things Solar Bears.

The Orlando Solar Bears return to action at the Amway Center Wednesday evening for the 3rd game of a 5 game series against the Norfolk Admirals. Orlando split the first two games in Norfolk last weekend. Friday’s game saw Norfolk take a 4-2 Victory. Orlando had goals from Joe Perry (Max Novak, Nolan Valleau), Novak (J.C. Campagna). Cal Heeter made 24 saves on the 26 shots he faced.

Saturday’s contest saw Orlando take a 7-2 victory, with goals from Michael Turner (Tayler Thompson, Darryl Bootland), Kristian Pospisil (J.C. Campagna, Sam Jardine), Max Novak (Joe Perry), Aleksandr Mikulovich (Campagna, Nolan Valleau), Joshua Winquist [PP] (Valleau, Novak), Chris LeBlanc [PP] (Winquist), Winquist. Cal Heeter was in net again, and stopped 42 of 44 shots.

Last weekend’s games had a slightly reconfigured Solar Bears lineup as forward Jean Dupuy and Martins Dzierkals were recalled to the Toronto Marlies. Dzierkals saw action in two games for the Marlies, generating 3 shots on goal.

Dzierkals will wear 36 with the #Marlies and Dupuy is wearing

39. Both up from @OrlandoHockey pic.twitter.com/MUMimcaTjG — Todd Crocker (@HockeyCrock) December 12, 2017

Orlando faces Norfolk three more times this week with games Wednesday, Thusday and Saturday. Saturday’s game will have Orlando wearing their “Ugly Holiday” Sweaters, and will also feature the Teddy Bear toss after Orlando scores its first goal. One might expect some “extra-curricular” activities between the two teams as they continue their five game series. Tensions were high during Saturday’s game in Norfolk. Tayler Thompson was helped off the ice during Saturday’s game, and has placed on the reserve list.

Orlando is currently tied for 4th place in the South division win the Atlanta Gladiators with one game in hand. Orlando is 6 points behind third-place Greenville Swamp Rabbits, and 15 behind division-leading Florida.

A previous year’s Ugly Sweater for your enjoyment: