NHL Lockout Survival Guide: Orlando Solar Bears Edition

Note: This article is in response to a Florida Everblades version (viewer discretion is advised)


So I pretty sure every Florida hockey fan woke up this past Sunday morning and found that there was a big, fat padlock around your favorite NHL team. For most of you who live outside Orlando and Estero, the first thing you did was have a nervous breakdown and flooded you Facebook and Twitter accounts about how bulls%*t it is that there will be no hockey and are ready to break out your Gary Bettman voodoo doll and started poking away. 

However, not all is lost, there will still be hockey in the form of the ECHL. For those in Sunrise and Tampa, it will be a bit of a drive, but hey, we made the drive over there to catch your games, the least you can do is return the favor. Now the question is this, do you take I-75 and go to the Everblades when the fans there are nice and friendly, or take I-4 (Florida Turnpike if you're in Sunrise) and see what made the Solar Bears fans one of the sports rowdiest.

Okay, so you've decided to pick the greater of two goods. Brighter lights, nicer stadium, better team history and tradition. Let me point out that Orlando hockey has a history of winning right out the gate. Just like a fellow blogger, I could be leaning towards my hometown team. 

The Basics:

The Orlando Solar Bears that will begin play this October are the reincarnation of the team that played in the IHL from 1995-2001. The new team will be playing in one the nicest arenas in the world and will be the first Orlando pro hockey team to play in Orlando since 2004. Sure, some think our colors may not scream "manly toughness" but our play on the ice sure as hell will.

Notable Players/Coaches:

• Mark Beaufait, RW (Solar Bear Lifer)
• Allen Bester, G (1995-1998)
• Craig Fisher, LW (1995-1996)
• Bob Joyce, LW (1995-1997)
• Norm Maracle, G (2000-2001)
• Todd Richards, D (Solar Bear Lifer)
• Dan Synder, C (1999-2001) *Lifer in Spirit
• Brad Tapper, RW (2000-2001) *Yes Blades fans, he's actually one of us
• Ryan Cruthers, RW (2012-Present) *1st player of the new Solar Bears
• Curt Fraser, Coach (1995-1999)
• Peter Horachek, Coach (1999-2001)
• Drake Berehowsky, Coach (2012-Present)

 How To Get There and Whatnot...

The shortest way to get there is to take exit 82B from I-4 onto South Street and turn left at the very first light. That will take to the main parking garage. You can't miss that awesome spire that will glow purple and teal on game nights. Looking at the team website, parking at the garage right across the street will be $15 while the garages and lots around the arena will be around $10. Here is a map of the projected parking layout during Solar Bear games. The only real neat thing about parking at that garage next to the arena is that from the fifth floor, you can enter directly into the arena.

There will of course be concessions and drinks around the arena, but there is a restaurant as well, Jernigan's Restaurant if you want to sit down and eat before the game.

Of course, there is Church Street. So many bars and restaurants in one small area you won't know what to do. Just be sure to hang out there AFTER the game.

Too tired to wasted to drive back? It's Orlando, there's bound to be a hotel on any given street corner.

There's this other team that plays in the Amway Center also, oh yeah, the Orlando Predators of the AFL, but there seems to be another hmmm... I remember now, it was actually a soap opera that took place in that arena about a whiny star's quest to be with others like him. So glad that ended a couple months ago.

Now Here's Some Things That Were Done in Old Solar Bears Games that I Hope Will Carry Over And Other Stuff You Should Know:

Whenever an opposing player leaves the penalty box everyone would scream "AND THEY STILL SUCK!"

Whenever the Solar Bears got a power the "JAWS" theme starts playing.

Players and coaches were always down to earth. Drake and a few players have already shown this trait, so as long as you don't badger them, you can have a conversation with them.

At first glance, it may look like you could get lost pretty easily, but don't worry, the best way to get around is to just go up the escalator and find your section.

If you remember the old Amway Arena, those seats were mad tight, even those that put on skinny jeans. That is no longer the problem, seats are much more comfortable with the first few rows on the sides having leather.

This is Shades, our mascot. He was always the first that came into mind when talking about the Solar Bears. You would always see him just goofing around and used to throw shoes around. Although his midsection has gotten bigger after 10 years, his popularity sure hasn't diminished.

Most importantly, know your division rivals, we'll be playing them plenty throughout the season: Greenville, Gwinnett, Florida, and South Carolina. Take special note to the Everblades, not only are they the other team in Florida, they are coming off a Kelly Cup victory, so their heads and egos will be a little overinflated. There is also the Cincinnati Cyclones, which is also a reincarnation of an IHL team that the Solar Bears will play this season.

If there's anything I left out Solar Bears fans, let me know in the comments section. 

I hope this tidbit has shed some light on what to expect on your new fan hood for the Solar Bears. I do extend a special invite to Stanley C. Panther, who has been hurt most by this lockout. Opening Night is around the corner, so put that Gary Bettman voodoo doll down and take the time to familiarize yourself with this fine organization and its traditions, because your first test is on October 20th at 7pm.