Orlando Solar Bears edge Jacksonville Icemen 3-2 in overtime as Kersten nets decisive goal

Overtime finish settles tight ECHL matchup in Orlando

The Orlando Solar Bears defeated the Jacksonville Icemen 3-2 in overtime on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, extending a recent run of close games between the Florida rivals. The decisive goal came after regulation ended even, sending Jacksonville away with one standings point despite the loss.

How the scoring unfolded

Orlando received goals in regulation from Aaron Luchuk and Reece Newkirk, while Jacksonville’s scoring came from Dalton Duhart and Nathan Dunkley. The game remained within one goal throughout, reflecting an even contest in which neither team was able to create separation during three-on-three overtime until the final play was converted.

• Orlando goals: Spencer Kersten (OT), Aaron Luchuk, Reece Newkirk
• Jacksonville goals: Dalton Duhart, Nathan Dunkley
• Final: Solar Bears 3, Icemen 2 (OT)

Trend line: a series defined by one-goal margins

Monday’s result fit a pattern in the season series. The teams have played multiple one-goal games, including an overtime meeting on Jan. 10, 2026, when Jacksonville earned a 4-3 win in Orlando on an overtime goal by Christopher Brown. Earlier, on Jan. 9 in Jacksonville, Orlando won 5-4 in regulation.

Those outcomes underscore the narrow margins that have characterized this matchup: special teams, late-game execution, and puck management in transition have often been decisive, particularly when the game shifts to open-ice overtime.

The Solar Bears and Icemen have repeatedly traded leads and pushed games beyond regulation in January, turning their meetings into high-leverage, point-by-point battles.

What’s next

Orlando’s schedule continues with a home game against Iowa, while Jacksonville moves forward with its South Division slate as the clubs remain in close proximity in the standings picture. With multiple head-to-head results already swinging on overtime or late third-period moments, the remaining meetings between Orlando and Jacksonville are likely to carry added weight in the race for playoff positioning.