ORLANDO – Derrick Martin scored his first goal of the season as the Orlando Solar Bears defeated the Cincinnati Cyclones 2-1 on March, 24 in front 9,329 fans at the Amway Center on Fan Appreciation Day.

“Great crowd tonight,” said Martin after the game. “Scoring at home in a big crowd feels good, I don’t care who you are. It’s always a great feeling and you do it in front of the home fans.”

Patrick Killeen also contributed in the win, saving 31 out of 31 shots in net for Orlando, giving him his tenth win of the season for the Solar Bears.

“Patty played really well,” said Solar Bears head coach Drake Berehowsky about Killeen’s performance between the pipes. “I thought defensively we kept the shots to the outside and when they did come from the inside he stopped the ones he was supposed to.”

Mike Embach gave Cincinnati an early 1-0 lead when he scored off a Matt Smyth pass with 15:12 left to play in the opening period.

Michael Wilson tied the game at 1-1 for the Solar Bears when he scored a power play goal thanks to an assist from Nick McParland with 11:10 remaining in the first period.

Martin gave Orlando a 2-1 lead early in the second period when he scored his first goal of the season for the Solar Bears with 12:27 left to play in the second period.

“It obviously feels good,” said Martin about scoring his first goal of the season. “But goal scorings never been my forte anyways.”

Orlando entered the third period leading 2-1 despite being outshot 19-9 by Cincinnati during the first two periods.

The Cyclones outshot the Solar Bears 13-8 during the final period but could not come away with a goal despite having four power plays.

“Everyone played pretty well tonight, kept everything simple and kept shots to the outside.” said Wilson about the team’s performance, including that Killeen. “Killer as well played unbelievable, he’s been playing unbelievable the last month I’d say.”

After the game fans were treated to an award ceremony at center ice, as well as the announcement of the winners of multiple Solar Bears player’s game-worn jerseys.

With the win Orlando’s record improves to 27-33-3-4 on the season with four games left to play. All four of the Solar Bears final games are against the in-state rival Florida Everblades.

The Solar Bears face off against the Everblades for the first part of a two-game home series on Tuesday, March 26 at the Amway Center.