Orlando Solar Bears

Last updated
Orlando Solar Bears
Orlando Solar Bears logo.svg
City Orlando, Florida
League ECHL
ConferenceEastern
DivisionSouth
Founded 2012
Home arena Kia Center
ColorsSolar purple, seafoam green, sunset orange, sunrise gold, white
     
Owner(s) RDV Sports, Inc. [1]
Head coach Matt Carkner
Media Orlando Sentinel , WJRR, ECHL.TV,
Affiliates Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL)
Syracuse Crunch (AHL)
Website orlandosolarbearshockey.com
Hockey current event.svg Current season

The Orlando Solar Bears are a professional ice hockey team that plays their home games at Kia Center (formerly Amway Center [2] ) in Orlando, Florida. They play in the South Division of the ECHL's Eastern Conference and are affiliated with the Tampa Bay Lightning of the National Hockey League and Syracuse Crunch of the American Hockey League.

Contents

History

Orlando Pro Hockey Operations, L.P. and primary owners Joe Haleski, Bob Ohrablo, and Jason Siegel, obtained an expansion franchise in the ECHL in November 2011. [3] The team revived the name of the original Orlando Solar Bears, who played in the International Hockey League from 1995 to 2001. [4] The franchise also retained the original colors of their IHL predecessor, while adding the color Sunrise Gold. They are Orlando's third professional hockey team, after the original Solar Bears and Orlando Seals (2002–2004). Together with the Florida Everblades of Estero and the Jacksonville Icemen, they are one of three ECHL franchises in Florida. They are the eighth ECHL franchise to have the name of a previous IHL franchise, joining four current teams (Cincinnati Cyclones, Fort Wayne Komets, Utah Grizzlies and Kalamazoo Wings) and three former teams (the defunct Phoenix Roadrunners and Long Beach Ice Dogs; and the Peoria Rivermen).

The Solar Bears utilize RDV Sportsplex Ice Den as their training facility and offices.

For their first season in 2012–13, the team became affiliated with the Minnesota Wild of the NHL and the Houston Aeros of the AHL. [5] They hired former NHL player Drake Berehowsky as the team's first head coach. [6] During their inaugural season, the Solar Bears posted a 20–11–1–4 record on home ice; however, the team struggled on the road and missed the playoffs with a 28–27–7 overall record. [7]

The Solar Bears then named Vince Williams, a former Solar Bears defenseman, as head coach for the 2013–14 season. They also added an affiliation with the Toronto Maple Leafs of the NHL and the Toronto Marlies of the AHL while also keeping the Wild as an affiliate. The Leafs extended their affiliation with the Solar Bears for an additional two years in 2014 and the Leafs became the Solar Bears' sole NHL affiliate. [8]

The Solar Bears hosted the 2015 ECHL All-Star Game at Amway Center on January 21, 2015.

For the 2015–16 season, Anthony Noreen became the head coach of the Solar Bears after guiding the United States Hockey League's Youngstown Phantoms to the league championship and being named USHL Coach of the Year. [9] The Solar Bears also renewed their affiliation with the Maple Leafs and Marlies. [10] The Solar Bears missed the 2016 playoffs and then started the 2016–17 season with a 5-5-1-0 record. On November 14, 2016, head coach Anthony Noreen was replaced by former Solar Bears' head coach Drake Berehowsky. [7]

In May 2017, the DeVos family, owners of the Orlando Magic, agreed to purchase the Solar Bears when the Orlando Pro Hockey Operations, L.P. ownership group informed them that they could no longer sustain the team. The DeVos family were the owners of the IHL Solar Bears from 1995 through 2001. [1]

In the 2018 Kelly Cup playoffs, the Solar Bears swept the South Carolina Stingrays to win their first playoff series, before losing to the regular season champions, the Florida Everblades, in the division finals. After the season, the Solar Bears and the Toronto Maple Leafs ended their five-season affiliation when Toronto affiliated with the expansion Newfoundland Growlers team. [11] The Solar Bears then affiliated with the Tampa Bay Lightning on a three-year agreement, [12] which was then extended through at least the 2022–23 season. [13]

On April 25, 2022, the team announced that they and Drake Berehowsky had mutually agreed to part ways. [14]

Media

The radio broadcasts for Orlando Solar Bears games are streamed online through iHeart Radio on the online channel for WYGM "740 the Game" and on Mixlr. News6 WKMG broadcasts select games throughout the season. Joey Battaino, formerly of the OHL’s Saginaw Spirit, is the play-by-play announcer for the Solar Bears.[ citation needed ]

As with all ECHL teams, video of Orlando Solar Bears games are available on FloSports and ECHL.TV, usually with a choice between home or away radio feeds for audio. The 2022-2023 season home opener was simulcast on WKMG-TV (Orlando's CBS affiliate) and Cozi TV.[ citation needed ]

Season-by-season results

Regular seasonPlayoffs
Season GPWLOTLSOLPtsGFGAStandingAvg. attendanceYear1st round2nd round3rd roundKelly Cup
2012–13 72283734631972535th, South6,668 2013 did not qualify
2013–14 72432423912252192nd, South6,355 2014 L, 2–4, CIN ———
2014–15 72372564842362154th, East6,209 2015 L, 2–4, FLA ———
2015–16 72333045752242323rd, South6,226 2016 did not qualify
2016–17 72362673822602584th, South5,498 2017 L, 3–4, FLA ———
2017–18 72333063752122283rd, South5,461 2018 W, 4–0, SC L, 1–4, FLA ——
2018–19 72412551882512382nd, South5,612 2019 W, 4–1, SC L, 1–4, FLA ——
2019–20 62272951601701805th, South5,6322020Season cancelled
2020–21 72362961792182325th, Eastern2,464 2021 did not qualify
2021–22 71333161731972265th, South5,120 2022 did not qualify
2022–23 72303381692212646th, South6,033 2023 did not qualify
2023–24 72382473862202064th, South— 2024 W, 4–2, GRN L, 1–4, FLA ——

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">International Hockey League (1945–2001)</span> 1945–2001 North American ice hockey league

The International Hockey League (IHL) was a minor professional ice hockey league in the United States and Canada that operated from 1945 to 2001. The IHL served as the National Hockey League's alternate farm system to the American Hockey League (AHL). After 56 years of operation, financial instability led to the league's demise. Six of the surviving seven teams merged into the AHL in 2001.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Drake Berehowsky</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1972)

Drake Berehowsky is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman. He is best known for his time in the National Hockey League (NHL), where he played for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Pittsburgh Penguins, Edmonton Oilers, Nashville Predators, Vancouver Canucks and Phoenix Coyotes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Grand Rapids Griffins</span> American Hockey League team in Grand Rapids, Michigan

The Grand Rapids Griffins are a professional ice hockey team based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. They compete in the American Hockey League (AHL), playing their home games at Van Andel Arena. They are the AHL affiliate to the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League, and are the 2013 and 2017 Calder Cup champions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stockton Thunder</span> Former professional minor league ice hockey team in Stockton, California

The Stockton Thunder were a minor league professional ice hockey team that was based in Stockton, California, and a member of the ECHL. The Stockton Arena was their home ice, with a capacity of 9,737. The team was an affiliate team of the New York Islanders of the National Hockey League in their final two seasons. The team was purchased by the Calgary Flames and relocated to Glens Falls, New York, as the Flames relocated their American Hockey League team to Stockton to become the Stockton Heat.

Corey Schwab is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender. He was drafted in the 10th round, 200th overall in the 1990 NHL Entry Draft by the New Jersey Devils. Schwab won the 2003 Stanley Cup with the New Jersey Devils and the 1995 Calder Cup with the Albany River Rats.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cincinnati Cyclones</span> Professional ice hockey team

The Cincinnati Cyclones are an ice hockey team based in Cincinnati. The team is a member of the ECHL. Originally established in 1990, the team first played their games in the Cincinnati Gardens and now play at Heritage Bank Center.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Orlando Solar Bears (IHL)</span> IHL ice hockey team

The Orlando Solar Bears were a professional minor league ice hockey team based in Orlando, Florida. The Solar Bears played in the International Hockey League's Eastern Conference. They played their home games at the Orlando Arena.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jared Staal</span> Canadian ice hockey player

Jared John Staal is a Canadian professional ice hockey coach and former player. He is the Head Coach for the Savannah Ghost Pirates of the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL). He formerly served as an assistant coach for the Charlotte Checkers of the American Hockey League (AHL).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kansas City Blades</span> Ice hockey team

The Kansas City Blades were a professional ice hockey team in the International Hockey League (IHL) from 1990 until 2001, when the league folded. The Blades were based in Kansas City, Missouri, at Kemper Arena.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brad Tapper</span> Ice hockey player

Brad Tapper is a Canadian former professional ice hockey right winger who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Atlanta Thrashers over parts of three seasons. After retiring from playing, he remained active in hockey as a coach in different professional hockey organisations in the US, Canada, and Germany. He is currently a co-trainer with ERC Ingolstadt in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL) and was, before that, head coach of the Iserlohn Roosters, also in the DEL. Previously, he worked with the Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League (AHL), spent a year as the head coach of the Adirondack Thunder in the ECHL, and was an assistant coach with the Rochester Americans (AHL), Chicago Wolves (AHL), Orlando Solar Bears (ECHL), and Florida Everblades (ECHL).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bruce Cassidy</span> Canadian ice hockey coach (born 1965)

Bruce James Cassidy, nicknamed "Butch", is a Canadian professional ice hockey coach and former player who is the head coach for the Vegas Golden Knights of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected in the first round, 18th overall, by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 1983 NHL Entry Draft. As a coach, Cassidy won the Stanley Cup with the Golden Knights in 2023.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jack Capuano</span> American ice hockey player and coach

Jack C. Capuano Jr. is an American ice hockey coach and former player. He is a former head coach of the New York Islanders of the National Hockey League (NHL). He is currently an associate coach for the Minnesota Wild of the National Hockey League (NHL). Capuano played as a defenseman and spent parts of three seasons in the NHL in the late 1980s and early 1990s. He is the older brother of former NHL hockey player Dave Capuano.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jarrod Skalde</span> Canadian ice hockey player and coach

Jarrod Skalde is a Canadian ice hockey coach and former player. He was born in Niagara Falls, Ontario. He was most recently the head coach of Slovak ice hockey team Vlci Zilina in Tipos Slovenská hokejová liga. His goal for the 2022-2023 season was to promote with Žilina to Tipos extraliga.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mike Liambas</span> Canadian professional ice hockey forward (born 1989)

Michael Liambas is a Canadian professional ice hockey forward. He is currently an unrestricted free agent who most recently played with the Iowa Wild in the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract with the Minnesota Wild organization of the National Hockey League (NHL). He made his debut in the NHL during the 2016–17 season, with the Nashville Predators. He is also the younger brother to Will Liambas and older brother to Steven Liambas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jared Bednar</span> Canadian ice hockey player and coach

Jared Bednar is a Canadian professional ice hockey coach and former player who is the head coach for the Colorado Avalanche of the National Hockey League (NHL). He previously coached the Lake Erie Monsters of the American Hockey League, leading them to a Calder Cup championship in 2015–16. He also led the South Carolina Stingrays of the ECHL to a Kelly Cup championship in the 2008–09 season. Bednar won the Stanley Cup with Colorado in 2022, becoming the first coach to win the current ECHL, AHL, and NHL trophies.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jerry D'Amigo</span> American ice hockey player

Jerry Vincent D'Amigo is an American professional ice hockey right winger currently playing for the Jacksonville Icemen in the ECHL. D'Amigo was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the sixth round, 158th overall, of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.

Reggie Berg is an American former professional ice hockey player who played for the Florida Everblades of the ECHL. He was selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 7th round of the 1996 NHL Entry Draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">David Broll</span> Canadian ice hockey player

David Broll is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey player. He last played with the Coventry Blaze in the EIHL. Broll was selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the sixth round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Garret Sparks</span> American ice hockey player (born 1993)

Garret Sparks is an American professional ice hockey goaltender who is currently an unrestricted free agent. He most recently played under contract for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the American Hockey League (AHL). Sparks was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the seventh round, 190th overall, in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. As of 2021, he is one of only 26 goaltenders in league history, and the third most recent, to record a shutout in his NHL debut; Sparks was also the third Maple Leafs goaltender to do so. In 2018, Sparks was awarded the Harry "Hap" Holmes Memorial Award as the AHL goaltender with the lowest goals against average, which helped lead the Toronto Marlies to their first Calder Cup.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Newfoundland Growlers</span> Defunct professional ice hockey team

The Newfoundland Growlers were a professional minor league ice hockey team in the ECHL based in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. The team began play in the 2018–19 season with home games held at Mary Brown's Centre. They were affiliated with the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League (NHL) and Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League (AHL). The ECHL terminated the teams's membership in 2024 for failure to fulfill league bylaws.

References

  1. 1 2 "Magic, DeVos family will buy Orlando Solar Bears". Orlando Sentinel . May 3, 2017.
  2. ↑ "NBA.com: Orlando's Premier Downtown Sports and Entertainment Destination to be Renamed Kia Center". NBA.com. NBA. December 20, 2023. Retrieved December 20, 2023.
  3. ↑ "Expansion Membership Approved for Orlando". Orlando Solar Bears. November 1, 2011.
  4. ↑ Press release (November 16, 2011). "Orlando welcomes back the Solar Bears". ECHL . Archived from the original on May 4, 2015. Retrieved November 16, 2011.
  5. ↑ "Out of Hibernation and into the Wild". Press Release. Orlando Solar Bears. Archived from the original on January 12, 2012. Retrieved May 15, 2012.
  6. ↑ "SOLAR BEARS NAME NHL/AHL VETERAN DRAKE BEREHOWSKY AS HEAD COACH". Orlando Solar Bears. June 19, 2012. Archived from the original on March 24, 2013. Retrieved June 19, 2012.
  7. 1 2 "Berehowsky leaves Wolves for top job in Orlando". Sudbury Star . November 14, 2016. Retrieved November 15, 2016.
  8. ↑ "Maple Leafs renew ECHL affiliation with Orlando". NHL.com. Retrieved August 24, 2014.
  9. ↑ "ANTHONY NOREEN NAMED SOLAR BEARS' HEAD COACH". ECHL. June 30, 2015.
  10. ↑ "Solar Bears Extend Affiliate Agreement with Toronto Maple Leafs". www.orlandosolarbearshockey.com. Retrieved 2016-05-15.
  11. ↑ "Solar Bears to Seek NHL Affiliation for 2018-19 Season". OurSportsCentral.com. June 14, 2018.
  12. ↑ "SOLAR BEARS BECOME ECHL AFFILIATE OF TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING". ECHL.com. August 13, 2018.
  13. ↑ "Solar Bears, Lightning Extend Affiliation Agreement". OurSports Central. July 19, 2021.
  14. ↑ "Solar Bears and Head Coach Drake Berehowsky Agree to Part Ways". Solar Bears Official Website. April 25, 2022.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.