You cant rush a rivalry, right? Rivalries develop slowly, dont they? Not when it comes to the Orlando Solar Bears and the Detroit Vipers.

Their rivalry started from day one. Literally. The first game in Solar Bears team history was against the Vipers. So was the second. In fact, that first season, the two teams met a total of 17 times, including a thrilling seven-game playoff series.

Theres respect, but theres also animosity. Maybe hatred is the word the way its built up over the years, Orlando defenseman Pat Neaton said. Both teams want to win and both teams want to be there at the end of the year.

hilton Liepaja hotel Each of the last three seasons, either Orlando or Detroit has represented the Eastern Conference in the Turner Cup Finals. Three years ago, it was the up-start Solar Bears eliminating Detroit in seven games in the conference semifinals. Last season, Detroit ousted Orlando in six games in the conference finals to advance to the Turner Cup Finals and defend its league title.

Solar Bears defenseman Todd Richards remembers that seven-game series in the Solar Bears inaugural season, which turned up the heat in the budding rivalry. Just about every game of that series was a great game, Richards recalled. We won Game 6, 5-0 to tie the series. Then in Game 7, we were down 4-1. Pat Neaton scored a goal late in the second period to make it 4-2. Then, on the first shift of the third period, Alfie Turcotte scored. All I remember is the crowd was buzzing and we got confidence. We got the tying goal (by Duane Joyce), then Craig Fisher scored the eventual game-winner. It was just a tremendous comeback. I guess what I remember most is the crowd. It was our first year, it was exciting playoff hockey, and it sure felt like a sell-out that night because the arena was really, really loud.

Orlando head coach, Curt Fraser, who has been behind the bench for all 40 games (27 regular season, 13 playoff) this series, acknowledges that this rivalry is a fierce one. Weve built a lot of strong rivalries in our division, but certainly Detroit would be our most intense, Fraser said. Weve faced them so many times during the season and in the playoffs. Theyve always been a strong competitive team in this league and so have we. When we match up, it just seems that both teams are built pretty much the same and the games are excellent to watch.

Frasers counterpart on the Detroit bench is Steve Ludzik, a teammate of Frasers with the Chicago Blackhawks. I love Curt, but I have to admit I love beating him, too, Ludzik said during the Turner Cup Finals last June. He is an excellent coach, one of the best in the league. To beat him, and the Solar Bears, is never easy, not with the talent they have. You earn every win.

hoteles GranadaRichards agrees with Ludziks assertion that you earn every win, mainly because of the Vipers style of play. Theyre usually a big, physical team, a tough team, Richards said. Playing them, youre in for a crash-and-bang game, with guys flying around and banging in the corners. Thats not to say the Vipers are undisciplined. Just the opposite, according to Richards. They play a controlled game, too. Look at the stats at the end of the year and theyre always number one or number two in goals against because of their very disciplined, defensive style of hockey.

This week Orlando and Detroit renew their rivalry with three games in five nights. Tuesday night, they meet at the Palace of Auburn Hills. Thanksgiving night and Saturday night, they square off at the Orlando Arena.

GIVING BACK: The Solar Bears wives group, the Bears Better Halves, hosted a food drive at two home games in November to benefit Anthony House, a homeless shelter and food bank in Zellwood, outside Apopka. The wives collected over 1,100 pounds of food, which will help feed about 350 people. They also collected $361, which will be used to purchase about 40 turkeys Also last week, the Solar Bears players and staff made their annual pilgrimage to serve dinner at the Edgewood Childrens Ranch in Orlando.

KILLING FIELDS: The Solar Bears penalty killing had been tops in the IHL, but no longer. After eight consecutive games without allowing a power play goal (52 consecutive penalty kills), the Solar Bears have allowed at least one power play goal in each of their last six contests. Orlando has allowed 10 power play goals in their last 36 shorthanded situations (72.2%), dropping from a league-best penalty killing percentage of 92.6%, to third-best at 85.6%.

BEAR BITES: With their 4-3 shootout win over Michigan last Wednesday, the Solar Bears improved their mark to 3-0 in games decided by a shootout. David Littman has been the goaltender in all three wins. Beginning Thursday night against Detroit, the Solar Bears play 10 of their next 11 games at home. Clayton Norris is sidelined for two weeks after injuring a ligament in his left knee last Friday at Michigan. Team captain Hubie McDonoughs will skate in his 900th game of his professional career Thursday against the Vipers. The 35-year-old McDonough is skating in his 13th season Mark Beaufaits next point will be his 300th as a Solar Bear.

Andrew Monaco is a broadcaster for the Orlando Solar Bears.

Tues. 12/29 @ 7 p.m.
Orlando Solar Bears @
Alicante hotelsCleveland Lumberjacks LIVE!

New Rules Haven't
Helped Offenses