Amway Center: Tampa Bay Lightning Ticket Giveaway

Amway Center Tampa Bay Lightning

{Sponsored Post}

Amway Center: Tampa Bay Lightning

Preseason Ticket Giveaway!

The Tampa Bay Lightning are coming to the Amway Center, and will open the preseason with games on four consecutive nights beginning at the Amway Center on September 18.

During that stretch they will also play at the Tampa Bay Times Forum on two occasions while also visiting the Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Missouri. The Bolts will then have a few days before taking on the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on Tuesday, September 24. They will then move south to take on the Panthers at Germain Arena in Estero, FL (Ft. Myers area) before finishing off the preseason in Sunrise, Florida against the Panthers on Saturday, September 28.

This season will mark the second time the Lightning will play a preseason game at Amway Center. More recently, Tampa Bay made the drive across I-4 to Orlando on September 21, 2011 to take on St. Louis. The Blues won the game, 4-3. This will mark the fifth time in franchise history the team will play a preseason game at Germain Arena in Estero, home to the Lightning’s ECHL affiliate, the Florida Everblades. Tampa Bay is 0-3-1 all-time at Germain Arena, most recently playing to a 3-3 tie against the Carolina Hurricanes on September 24, 2002. The team also spent a portion of their 2012-13 training camp at Germain Arena.

Amway Center Tampa Bay Lightning

Tickets for the Tampa Bay Lightning game are available now, and are $10, $15, $25, $40, $50, $75, and $150. All tickets are subject to applicable taxes, service, handling, and facility fee charges.

SPECIAL OFFER!!!!

You can get 50% off of select Tampa Bay Lightning tickets with the offer code ‘WIN’ using this link! This offer ends Wednesday, September 11 at 10:00 pm so don’t wait to get your tickets!

Door opening times for the Amway Center vary according to each event. Guests may enter the arena one hour prior to the start time of each event, unless otherwise specifically noted. Guests may check door times in advance by calling 407.440.7900.

It’s always good to check the Amway Center Camera Policies change from event to event. For the Tampa Bay Lightning game you can bring on-flash, still cameras, may be used to take pictures of sporting events or events where house lights are illuminated during a performance. Cameras with detachable lenses longer than six (6) inches are prohibited from all Amway Center sporting events. Tripods or other photography equipment may not be used or admitted without building issued media credentials. Check amwaycenter.com or call the administration office at 407.440.7000 prior to the event for any camera policy updates.

We will be there brining you tweets and pictures from the game, but you could be there with us!

Entering the contest is extremely easy with Rafflecopter and there are even ways to enter the contest every day!

The contest starts today, and ends at 12:00 am on September 9, 2013!

There are few things to keep in mind when you’re entering the contest!

  • We will be giving away two (2) tickets to see the Tampa Bay Lightning at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida on September 18, 2013 at 7:00 pm.
  • I will contact the winner by email, and the winner will have 24 hours to respond that they would like to still attend the game. If the winner does not respond or if they do not want to go for some reason, another winner will be chosen.
  • Winners must be 18 and older and you will need to present ID to pick up your tickets at the Amway Center Box Office.
  • Please note that these tickets do not include parking at the Amway Center.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: Through our partnership with the Amway Center, I was given tickets to attend the game and tickets to offer with this giveaway. All thoughts and opinions are my own!

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Solar Bears Earn First Victory Over Everblades 8-2

 

SOLAR BEARS EARN FIRST VICTORY OVER EVERBLADES 8-2

Orlando Hosts Florida at Sold Out Amway Center Tomorrow Night

 

Click here to view the box score

 

Estero, FL – The Orlando Solar Bears scored four goals in each of the first two periods en route to an 8-2 win over the Everbaldes at the Germain Arena on Friday Night. C Ryan Cruthers was the only player with multiple goals, while C Mathew Sisca finished the contest with four assists.

 

Orlando came out on fire in the opening frame, as LW Ryan Ginand collected his own rebound in front of the net and powered the shot home for a 1-0 lead 7:38 into the period. At 10:45, F Rob Mignardi held the puck in the offensive zone and found F C.J. Severyn open in front, who tapped in the pass to increase the lead to 2-0. Just 45 seconds later, F Josh Caron slammed home a wraparound and F Olivier Fortier capped off the scoring, deflecting home a pass from D Kyle Medvec with 6:29 left in the period.

 

The offensive rush continued for the Solar Bears in the second period. Medvec started it off when finished off a wrap around 6:46 into the middle frame. The score was pushed to 6-0 1:30 later when LW Nick Petersen fired home his own rebound. Cruthers picked the next two goals, first deflecting in a Petersen shot and then blasting home a power play goal with 36 seconds left in the game.

 

Florida struck back early in the third period as F Justin Shugg capitalized 56 seconds into the frame. F Leigh Salters made it an 8-2 score when he redirected a shot midway through the period, but neither team would strike after that and the Solar Bears skated away with the 8-2 victory.

 

Three Stars: 1. R. Cruthers (ORL); 2. M. Sisca (ORL); 3. R. Ginand (ORL)

Power Plays: ORL: 1/6; FLA: 0/4

Shots: ORL: 49; FLA: 22

 

Notes:

The Solar Bears play their first-ever home ECHL game tomorrow at 7:00 p.m. Doors open at 6:00 p.m… LW Nick Petersen and C Ryan Cruthers have now both scored in all three Solar Bears Games… Caron’s first period goal was his first as a professional… F Olivier Fortier played his first Solar Bears game and scored a goal in the first period… C Mathew Sisca finished the game with four assists… Orlando has combined for 96 shots in their two Friday night games.

 

The Orlando Solar Bears, the ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Minnesota Wild and AHL’s Houston Aeros, are coming Out of Hibernation and will play 36 regular season home games at the 2012 Street and Smith’s Sports Business Journal Sports Facility of the Year, the Amway Center, beginning October 20, 2012. Individual tickets for all 36 regular season home games are now on sale beginning as low as $15. To purchase your tickets, please visit www.OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.com or the Amway Center Box Office.

Follow the Solar Bears at www.OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.comFacebook, and Twitter (@OrlandoHockey) for all the latest news and updates.

Season ticket plans are available now. Everyone is invited to take advantage of the Orlando Solar Bears season ticket pre-sale offer by placing a $50 deposit per ticket now to receive seat selection priority. Full and half season ticket plans range in price from $225-$1480 per season ticket (includes facility fee), reflecting a savings of up to 42% off box office pricing. Call the Solar Bears at 407-951-8200 to speak to a Ticket Sales Account Manager.

Group tickets are a great way to entertain employees, co-workers, clients, friends and family. For more information on discounted group tickets and a list of group benefits, call 407-951-8200 or click here.

Orlando Solar Bears merchandise can be purchased online at: http://shop.orlandosolarbearshockey.com/

  

       

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Ryan Cruthers Named Solar Bears Captain

 
RYAN CRUTHERS NAMED SOLAR BEARS CAPTAIN
Baker, Martin to Serve as Alternates
Ryan Cruthers
Solar Bears

Orlando, FL – The Orlando Solar Bears named C Ryan Cruthers the first captain in the ECHL history of the Orlando Solar Bears. RW Kevin Baker and D Derick Martin will serve as alternate captains.

Cruthers, a veteran of over 250 professional games, was the first player signed by the Orlando Solar Bears this summer. He is currently second on the Solar Bears in points, having scored two goals and one assist in the first two Solar Bears games. The Farmingdale, NY, native was the captain of the ECHL’s Reading Royals for the last two seasons, and has 241 points (88 goals, 153 assists) in 241 ECHL games.

Baker and Martin each bring a wealth of experience to the Orlando lineup. Baker is Kevin Bakera former MVP of the ECHL, winning the honor in 2008-09 while scoring 57 goals and 45 assists for 102 points in 70 games – all with the Florida Everblades. He has  played over 400 games in his professional career, and in 317 ECHL games he has collected 353 points.

Martin has logged the most ECHL games out the group, appearing in 425 league contests. A strong stay-at-home defenseman, Martin has tallied 98 points in the ECHL, including 11 goals and 87 assists. He was an alternate captain for the Victoria Salmon Kings (ECHL) in 2010-11. Derick Martin

“We have a very experienced veteran leadership group,” said Head Coach Drake Berehowsky. “Their character and desire to compete is second to none.”

The Orlando Solar Bears, the ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Minnesota Wild and AHL’s Houston Aeros, are coming Out of Hibernation and will play 36 regular season home games at the 2012 Street and Smith’s Sports Business Journal Sports Facility of the Year, the Amway Center, beginning October 20, 2012.

Individual tickets for all 36 regular season home games are now on sale beginning as low as $15. To purchase your tickets, please visit www.OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.com or the Amway Center Box Office.

Follow the Solar Bears at www.OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.comFacebook, and Twitter(@OrlandoHockey) for all the latest news and updates.

Season ticket plans are available now. Everyone is invited to take advantage of the Orlando Solar Bears season ticket pre-sale offer by placing a $50 deposit per ticket now to receive seat selection priority. Full and half season ticket plans range in price from $225-$1480 per season ticket (includes facility fee), reflecting a savings of up to 42% off box office pricing. Call the Solar Bears at 407-951-8200 to speak to a Ticket Sales Account Manager.

Group tickets are a great way to entertain employees, co-workers, clients, friends and family. For more information on discounted group tickets and a list of group benefits, call407-951-8200 or click here.

Orlando Solar Bears merchandise can be purchased online at: http://shop.orlandosolarbearshockey.com/

Solar Bears     Solar Bears    Solar Bears

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Solar Bears Alum Todd Richards At Opening Night Ceremonies

 
SOLAR BEARS ALUM TODD RICHARDS TO TAKE PART
IN OPENING NIGHT CEREMONIES
Come Early to Watch Pregame Ceremonies – Doors Open at 6:00 p.m.
Solar Bears Alum Todd Richards
Solar Bears

Orlando, FL – The Orlando Solar Bears announced today that Todd Richards, the captain of the 2001 Orlando Solar Bears Turner Cup Championship team, will take part in the Opening Night Pregame Ceremonies at the Amway Center on Saturday, October 20.

Richards was a member of the Orlando Solar Bears for all six seasons of the team’s existence, including serving as the captain when Orlando won the Turner Cup in 2001. He played 423 games with Orlando, scoring 61 goals and 199 assists for 260 points while also recording 408 PIM.

He became the head coach of Orlando’s NHL affiliate, the Minnesota Wild, in 2009, and is the current head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets. He took over as the head coach in Columbus midway through last season.

“The Solar Bears and the Orlando community are a big part of my life,” said Richards. “I have many fond memories of the Turner Cup Championship season. Both my kids were born here, and I am looking forward to being a part of Opening Night.”

“Todd made tremendous contributions to the Solar Bears and the Orlando community,” said Solar Bears Managing Partner Jason Siegel. “We are pleased that he and his wife will be in attendance for this momentous occasion.”

The Orlando Solar Bears, the ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Minnesota Wild and AHL’s Houston Aeros, are coming Out of Hibernation and will play 36 regular season home games at the 2012 Street and Smith’s Sports Business Journal Sports Facility of the Year, the Amway Center, beginning October 20, 2012.

Individual tickets for all 36 regular season home games are now on sale beginning as low as $15. To purchase your tickets, please visit www.OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.com or the Amway Center Box Office.

Follow the Solar Bears at www.OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.comFacebook, and Twitter(@OrlandoHockey) for all the latest news and updates.

Season ticket plans are available now. Everyone is invited to take advantage of the Orlando Solar Bears season ticket pre-sale offer by placing a $50 deposit per ticket now to receive seat selection priority. Full and half season ticket plans range in price from $225-$1480 per season ticket (includes facility fee), reflecting a savings of up to 42% off box office pricing. Call the Solar Bears at 407-951-8200 to speak to a Ticket Sales Account Manager.

Group tickets are a great way to entertain employees, co-workers, clients, friends and family. For more information on discounted group tickets and a list of group benefits, call407-951-8200 or click here.

Orlando Solar Bears merchandise can be purchased online at: http://shop.orlandosolarbearshockey.com/

       

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Orlando Solar Bears Fall to Everblades 5-1

 
SOLAR BEARS FALL TO EVERBLADES 5-1 
Team begins Regular Season on Friday, Oct. 12

Click here to view the box score

 

Estero, FL – The Orlando Solar Bears ended their preseason schedule with a 5-1 loss to the Florida Everblades at the Germain Arena on Saturday Night. The Solar Brooks OstergardBears return to Estero to take on the Everblades in their inaugural ECHL game on Friday, October 12.

 

The Florida Everblades opened up the scoring after an attempted dump-in took a strange bounce off the boards and landed right on the stick of LW Mathieu Roy, who deposited it into an open net at the 6:16 mark. The lead was increased to 2-0 when C David Rutherford picked up a rebound and flipped a shot past a sprawled-out G Brooks Ostergard with 7:23 remaining in the period. Ostergard ended the first frame with 15 saves.

 

F Samson Mahbod cut the Everblades lead to 2-1 after a great pass from F David Lun found him all alone in the low-slot. Mahbod’s initial chance was stopped by Florida G Rob Madore, but Mahbod found his own rebound and tapped it home at 10:26 of the second stanza. The score remained 2-1 until LW Matt Marquardt blasted a one-timer into the top right corner of the net at 14:04, ending the period with a 3-1 Everblades lead.

 

Special teams became the story in the third period, as Marquardt lifted the Everblades to a 4-1 advantage with a shorthanded goal 2:59 into the period. C Trevor Bruess put home the game’s final goal on the power play with three minutes remaining, as the Everblades skated away with a 5-1 victory.

 

Power Plays: ORL: 0/5; FLA 1/5

Shots: ORL: 24; FLA: 38

 

Notes:

G Brian Markowicz served as an Emergency Backup Goaltender for the Solar Bears tonight… Tonight’s game marked the end of the Solar Bears preseason schedule. The team will play it’s inaugural regular season game at Florida on Friday, Oct. 12… The Solar Bears open the regular season with four straight games against Florida.

The Orlando Solar Bears, the ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Minnesota Wild and AHL’s Houston Aeros, are coming Out of Hibernation and will play 36 regular season home games at the 2012 Street and Smith’s Sports Business Journal Sports Facility of the Year, the Amway Center, beginning October 20, 2012. Individual tickets for all 36 regular season home games are now on sale beginning as low as $15. To purchase your tickets, please visit www.OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.com or the Amway Center Box Office.

Follow the Solar Bears at www.OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.comFacebook, and Twitter(@OrlandoHockey) for all the latest news and updates.

Season ticket plans are available now. Everyone is invited to take advantage of the Orlando Solar Bears season ticket pre-sale offer by placing a $50 deposit per ticket now to receive seat selection priority. Full and half season ticket plans range in price from $225-$1480 per season ticket (includes facility fee), reflecting a savings of up to 42% off box office pricing. Call the Solar Bears at 407-951-8200 to speak to a Ticket Sales Account Manager.

Group tickets are a great way to entertain employees, co-workers, clients, friends and family. For more information on discounted group tickets and a list of group benefits, call407-951-8200 or click here.

Orlando Solar Bears merchandise can be purchased online at: http://shop.orlandosolarbearshockey.com/

       

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Orlando Solar Bears Drop First Preseason Game 6-3

 
SOLAR BEARS DROP FIRST PRESEASON GAME 6-3
Orlando Scores Two Power Play Goals

Click here to view the box score.

 

Estero, FL – The Orlando Solar Bears struck for two power play goals, but fell by the final score of 6-3 to the Florida Everblades at Germain Arena on Friday Night. The two teams will meet again tomorrow at the Germain Arena at 7:00 p.m.

 

Florida struck first, when a turnover in the neutral zone led to a 2-on-1 rush for the Everblades. F David Rutherford gathered a pass and snapped a shot over the shoulder of G Drew Palmisano at 5:22 of the frame. Orlando evened the score at 1-1 just over seven minutes later, as F Thomas Beauregard carried the puck out of the left wing corner and slid a puck through the legs of Everblades G Pat Nagle. The goal came on the power play at 12:31. It didn’t take long for Florida to regain their edge, as F Corey Trivino slapped a bouncing puck past Palmisano at 15:06, and 23 seconds later F Aaron Bogosian tallied to stretch the lead to 3-1.

 

1:13 into the second period, the Everblades stretched their lead to 4-1 when F Brandon MacLean struck for Florida. Orlando came right back, once again on the power play. After a flurry of shots, F Ian Watters found a rebound in front of the net and lifted the puck just under the crossbar to cut Florida’s lead to two. The Everblades ended the period on a beautiful pass from F Chad McQuaid that found Trivino wide open, lifting the Everblades to a 5-2 advantage.

 

The Solar Bears clawed their way back to within two when a shot from D Edward Levens was deflected by F Brett Lyon with 11:47 to play. Orlando’s comeback effort was cut short, as Rutherford added his second goal of the night with 6:20 left in the contest, boosting the Everblades to a 6-3 victory.

 

“This game gave me a great opportunity to evaluate some of our younger players,” said Head Coach Drake Berehowsky.
Notes:

Forward T.J. Fox was released prior to the start of the game… The Solar Bears scored their first two goals of the game on the power play… F Brad Townsend received a five-minute major for fighting in the second period… G Brooks Ostergard entered the game 1:19 into the third period and played the remainder of the contest… Power plays: ORL: 2/7; FLA: 0/6… Shots: ORL: 32; FLA: 33.

The Orlando Solar Bears, the ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Minnesota Wild and AHL’s Houston Aeros, are coming Out of Hibernation and will play 36 regular season home games at the 2012 Street and Smith’s Sports Business Journal Sports Facility of the Year, the Amway Center, beginning October 20, 2012. Individual tickets for all 36 regular season home games are now on sale beginning as low as $15. To purchase your tickets, please visit www.OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.com or the Amway Center Box Office.

Follow the Solar Bears at www.OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.comFacebook, and Twitter(@OrlandoHockey) for all the latest news and updates.

Season ticket plans are available now. Everyone is invited to take advantage of the Orlando Solar Bears season ticket pre-sale offer by placing a $50 deposit per ticket now to receive seat selection priority. Full and half season ticket plans range in price from $225-$1480 per season ticket (includes facility fee), reflecting a savings of up to 42% off box office pricing. Call the Solar Bears at 407-951-8200 to speak to a Ticket Sales Account Manager.

Group tickets are a great way to entertain employees, co-workers, clients, friends and family. For more information on discounted group tickets and a list of group benefits, call407-951-8200 or click here.

Orlando Solar Bears merchandise can be purchased online at: http://shop.orlandosolarbearshockey.com/

       

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Welcome to the Orlando Solar Bears Thomas Beauregard

THOMAS BEAUREGARD, SOLAR BEARS
AGREE TO TERMS
Forward Supplies Proven Playmaking Ability
Orlando, FL – The Orlando Solar Bears announced today that they have agreed to terms with forward Thomas Beauregard.
Beauregard (6’0″, 205 lbs.) joins the Orlando Solar Bears after appearing in 60 games and scoring 59 points (22 goals, 37 assists) with the Central Hockey Thomas BeauregardLeague’s Wichita Thunder last season. Those totals placed him second on the team in points and assists, while he finished third on the club in goals. He spent the 2010-11 season overseas, playing 11 games in Denmark (four goals, two assists) and tallying 18 goals along with 15 assists in 32 games in Norway.The Montreal, Quebec, native has seen action in the ECHL in three previous seasons. In 2009-10, Beauregard was a point-per-game player with 34 goals and 23 assists in 57 games with the Wheeling Nailers. That season, he also picked up 10 points (5 goals, 5 assists) in 14 games with the Elmira Jackals. He also notched an assist in two games with the AHL’s Springfield Falcons that season.
From 2007-2009, Beauregard was a member of the Cincinnati Cyclones. He played in 84 games throughout those two years and had 46 goals to go along with 47 assists. During the 2008-09 season, he dressed for eight games with the Hamilton Bulldogs of the AHL, scoring two goals and assisting on one other. In 2007-08, his Cyclones squad captured the Kelly Cup.
“Thomas is a very good two-way forward,” said Head Coach Drake Berehowsky. “He can put up very good numbers on the offensive end and is good in his own zone.”
Beauregard played five seasons (2002-2007) for the Acadie-Bathurst Titans of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League prior to turning pro. In his final season, he lead the QMJHL in goals with 71, and finished second in points with 124.
The Orlando Solar Bears, the ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Minnesota Wild and AHL’s Houston Aeros, are coming Out of Hibernation and will play 36 regular season home games at the 2012 Street and Smith’s Sports Business Journal Sports Facility of the Year, the Amway Center, beginning October 20, 2012. Fans will have the opportunity to purchase individual tickets for all 36 regular season home games beginning at 8:00 am on Wednesday, September 19th, with tickets starting as low as $15. To purchase your tickets, please visit www.OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.com or the Amway Center Box Office beginning Wednesday, September 19th.
The Solar Bears expect to announce a number of player signings, details regarding the formation of the OSB Alumni Association, two trophies that will be awarded annually to a current Bears player in honor and memory of both Dan Snyder and Rob Kenny, and a number of exciting promotional events over the next 2-4 weeks. The team also plans to unveil its 3rd jersey during the early portion of the season.
Follow the Solar Bears at www.OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.comFacebook, and Twitter(@OrlandoHockey) for all the latest news and updates.
Season ticket plans are available now. Everyone is invited to take advantage of the Orlando Solar Bears season ticket pre-sale offer by placing a $50 deposit per ticket now to receive seat selection priority. Full and half season ticket plans range in price from $225-$1480 per season ticket (includes facility fee), reflecting a savings of up to 42% off box office pricing. Call the Solar Bears at 407-951-8200 to speak to a Ticket Sales Account Manager.
Group tickets are a great way to entertain employees, co-workers, clients, friends and family. For more information on discounted group tickets and a list of group benefits, call407-951-8200.
Orlando Solar Bears merchandise can be purchased online at: http://shop.orlandosolarbearshockey.com/

       

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Orlando Solar Bears Welcome New Defenseman Derick Martin to Orlando!

 
ORLANDO SOLAR BEARS ADD DERICK MARTIN
Veteran Blue-Liner Joins Team

Orlando, FL – The Orlando Solar Bears announced today that they have agreed to terms with defenseman Derick Martin.

Martin (5’11”, 185 lbs.) brings a wealth of experience to the Solar Bears lineup. Last season he appeared in 64 games with the Utah Grizzlies, his seventh season in the league. Martin totaled one goal and 11 assists in that span. During the 2010-11 season, MartinDerick Martinpatrolled the blue-line for the Victoria Salmon Kings, earning 12 points, all assists, while also serving as the team’s alternate captain.

The Timmins, Ontario, native broke into the ECHL with the Long Beach Ice Dogs in 2005-06. His ECHL resume includes 423 games played with 11 goals, 87 assists, and 355 PIM. Martin has appeared in ECHL games for Long Beach, Columbia, Texas, Alaska, Elmira, Victoria, and Utah. As a member of the Alaska Aces in 2008, Martin was named as the ECHL’s Plus Performer of the Month when he finished April with a +13 plus/minus rating.

Martin’s professional career has also seen two stops in the American Hockey League (AHL). In 2008-09, he played in 14 games for the Providence Bruins and recorded 12 PIM. He also dressed for two games with the Peoria Rivermen in 2007-08, picking up two assists and five PIM. Martin played in 22 games in France in 2007-08, leading his team in PIM with 74. He played his first pro season for the Lubbock Cotton Kings in the Central Hockey League (CHL), leading all team defensemen in points (34) and assists (25).

“Derick is a smart, veteran defenseman who knows this league inside and out,” said the Orlando Solar Bears Head Coach Drake Berehowsky. “He will be a solid player, and a good mentor for the younger guys on the team.”

Martin played 56 games over two seasons (2002-04) with Saint Mary’s University in Canada before he turned pro, picking up 11 points on one goal and 10 assists. He also spent three seasons with the Hull Olympiques in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League from 1999-2002. In 198 games with Hull, Martin tallied seven goals, 45 assists, 282 PIM.

The Orlando Solar Bears, the ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Minnesota Wild and AHL’s Houston Aeros, are coming Out of Hibernation and will play 36 regular season home games at the 2012 Street and Smith’s Sports Business Journal Sports Facility of the Year, the Amway Center, beginning October 20, 2012. Fans will have the opportunity to purchase individual tickets for all 36 regular season home games beginning at 8:00 am on Wednesday, September 19th, with tickets starting as low as $15. To purchase your tickets, please visit www.OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.com or the Amway Center Box Office beginning Wednesday, September 19th.

 

The Solar Bears expect to announce a number of player signings, details regarding the formation of the OSB Alumni Association, two trophies that will be awarded annually to a current Bears player in honor and memory of both Dan Snyder and Rob Kenny, and a number of exciting promotional events over the next 2-4 weeks. The team also plans to unveil its 3rd jersey during the early portion of the season.
Follow the Solar Bears at www.OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.comFacebook, and Twitter(@OrlandoHockey) for all the latest news and updates.

 

Season ticket plans are available now. Everyone is invited to take advantage of the Orlando Solar Bears season ticket pre-sale offer by placing a $50 deposit per ticket now to receive seat selection priority. Full and half season ticket plans range in price from $225-$1480 per season ticket (includes facility fee), reflecting a savings of up to 42% off box office pricing. Call the Solar Bears at 407-951-8200 to speak to a Ticket Sales Account Manager.
Group tickets are a great way to entertain employees, co-workers, clients, friends and family. For more information on discounted group tickets and a list of group benefits, call407-951-8200.
Orlando Solar Bears merchandise can be purchased online at: http://shop.orlandosolarbearshockey.com/

       

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Orlando Solar Bears Unveil 2 New Logos!

 

SOLAR BEARS UNVEIL TWO NEW LOGOS

 

Orlando, FL. — The Solar Bears announced today that they have unveiled two new commemorative logos that will be affixed to the team’s home and road jerseys for the 2012-13 season.

 

The first logo will be worn as a patch on the Solar Bears jerseys for one night only, during opening night at the Amway Center on October 20, 2012. The second “Out of Hibernation” logo will be worn as a patch on the home and road jerseys for the remainder of the 2012-13 season. Both patches will be worn on the upper left chest of the Solar Bears jerseys.

 

The Joe Bosack Graphic Design Company, based in Pottsville, PA, designed both of the logos. They are same company that designed the Solar Bears primary logos.

 

  

Over the next 2-6 weeks the Solar Bears expect to announce a number of player signings, our new radio broadcast partner, details for our OSB Training Camp dates and Open Invitation Try-Out, Single Game Ticket “On Sale” date, details regarding the formation of the OSB Alumni Association, details about two trophies that will be awarded annually to a current Solar Bears player in honor and memory of both Dan Snyder and Rob Kenny, and a number of exciting promotional events. The team also plans to unveil its 3rd jersey during the early portion of the season. Follow the Solar Bears at OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.comFacebookand Twitter for all the latest news and updates.

 

 

The Orlando Solar Bears, the ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Minnesota Wild and AHL’s Houston Aeros, are coming Out of Hibernation and will play 36 regular season home games at the 2012 Street and Smith’s Sports Business Journal Sports Facility of the Year, the Amway Center, beginning October 20, 2012.

 

Season ticket plans are available now. Everyone is invited to take advantage of the Orlando Solar Bears season ticket pre-sale offer by placing a $50 deposit per ticket now to receive seat selection priority. Full and half season ticket plans range in price from $225-$1480 per season ticket (includes facility fee), reflecting a savings of up to 42% off box office pricing. Call the Solar Bears at 407-951-8200 or visitOrlandoSolarBearsHockey.com.

 

Group tickets are a great way to entertain employees, co-workers, clients, friends and family. For more information on discounted group tickets and a list of group benefits, call407-951-8200.

 

Orlando Solar Bears merchandise can be purchased online at: http://shop.orlandosolarbearshockey.com/.

 

 

       

 

 

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SOLAR BEARS AGREE TO TERMS WITH SIMON DANIS-PEPIN

From the Desk of our Beloved Orlando Solar Bears:

Orlando, Fl — The Orlando Solar Bears announced today that they have agreed to terms with defenseman Simon Danis-Pepin.

 

Danis-Pepin (6’7″, 221 lbs.) has played in the American Hockey League and the ECHL. A second round draft pick (61st overall) of the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, Danis-Pepin has spent the majority of the last 3 seasons with the Toledo Walleye (ECHL). He registered 36 points and 65 penalty minutes in 71 career games with the Walleye (2009-12).

 

Before professional hockey, the Montreal, Quebec native played four years at the University of Maine. Danis-Pepin served as the Black Bears co-captain during his senior year and accumulated 36 points and 81 penalty minutes in 133 career games of collegiate hockey (2005-09).

 

Over the next 2-6 weeks the Solar Bears expect to announce a number of player signings, our new radio broadcast partner, details for our OSB Training Camp dates and Open Invitation Try-Out, Single Game Ticket “On Sale” date, details regarding the formation of the OSB Alumni Association, details about two trophies that will be awarded annually to a current Solar Bears player in honor and memory of both Dan Snyder and Rob Kenny, and a number of exciting promotional events. In addition, the Solar Bears will provide details for the raising of the 2001 Turner Cup Banner during the upcoming season and the team will unveil a commemorative “Out of Hibernation” logo that will be affixed to the team’s home and road jerseys for the 2012-13 season. The team also plans to unveil its 3rd jersey during the early portion of the season. Follow the Solar Bears at OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.comFacebook and Twitter for all the latest news and updates.

 

The Orlando Solar Bears, the ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Minnesota Wild and AHL’s Houston Aeros, are coming Out of Hibernation and will play 36 regular season home games at the 2012Street and Smith’s Sports Business Journal Sports Facility of the Year, the Amway Center, beginning October 20, 2012.

 

Season ticket plans are available now. Everyone is invited to take advantage of the Orlando Solar Bears season ticket pre-sale offer by placing a $50 deposit per ticket now to receive seat selection priority. Full and half season ticket plans range in price from $225-$1480 per season ticket (includes facility fee), reflecting a savings of up to 42% off box office pricing. Call the Solar Bears at 407-951-8200 or visit www.OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.com.

 

Group tickets are a great way to entertain employees, co-workers, clients, friends and family. For more information on discounted group tickets and a list of group benefits, call 407-951-8200.

 

Orlando Solar Bears merchandise can be purchased online at: http://shop.orlandosolarbearshockey.com/.

 

  Stats from hockeydb.com

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The Week in Review: August 13- – August 17, 2012: Sports, Icebergs, and Wild Adventures!

The Week in Review: August 13- – August 17, 2012: Sports, Icebergs, and Wild Adventures!

It has been another amazing week here at On the Go, and now it’s time to look back at all that happened August 13th to August 17th!!!

Let’s Go!

On Monday we took a look some local sports teams. First, the Orlando Solar Bears signed three new team members. And at the Orlando City Soccer Club, Kevin Molino was named to the Trinidad team for Canada Friendly.

Cheering for the Orlando City Soccer Club!!!

Aurora and I ventured out to Titanic: The Experience, and she shares her thoughts on a Visit to the Titanic.

Thelma and Louise on the Grand Staircase in Titanic the Experience

For Wordless Wednesday, we took a look through the trees at Star Tours at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Star Tours at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

We took a look at LEGOLAND Florida’s STEM Focused, Interactive Programs for kids.

LEGOLAND Florida provides interactive entertainment for families with children ages 2-12 .

Betsy makes her way out west to Disneyland, and shares part one of her Trip Report in her California Adventure!

Betsy in front of the Disneyland train station

Friday, Megan took us along on her Wild Africa Trek! She has some great photos and information about this really up-close Safari Experience!

Megan on the Wild Africa Trek

Thanks for joining us this week at On the Go, and we can’t wait to bring you even more posts next week!!!

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And if you don’t already, follow us on Twitter!

 

 

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Orlando Solar Bears Sign 3 New Team Members!

 

SOLAR BEARS AGREE TO TERMS WITH FORWARDS CRAMER, MAHBOD AND KLAPKOWSKI

 

Orlando, Fl. – The Orlando Solar Bears announced today that they have added speed, skill, and scoring to the lineup with the additions of forwards Ron Cramer, Samson Mahbod, and Gary Klapkowski.

 

Cramer (5’8″, 175 lbs.) spent the last four seasons playing at Robert Morris University. During his college career, the New Wilmington, PA native recorded 21 goals and 39 assists. After completing the 2011-12 season at RMU, Cramer played two games with the Cincinnati Cyclones (ECHL).

 

For the last two seasons Mahbod (5’9″,165 lbs.) has played in both the ECHL and Central Hockey League. In 43 games with the Arizona Sundogs of the CHL, the Montreal, Quebec native recorded seven goals and 15 assists (2011-12). Mahbod notched 10 goals and 16 assists in 47 games during his rookie season in the ECHL (2010-11).

 

Klapkowski (5’9″, 190 lbs.) has played in the CHL, Mid Atlantic Hockey League, and the ECHL. During the 2007-08 season he tallied 49 points in 38 games while playing in both the MAHL and ECHL.

 

Over the next 2-6 weeks the Solar Bears expect to announce a number of player signings, our new radio broadcast partner, details for our OSB Training Camp dates and Open Invitation Try-Out, Single Game Ticket “On Sale” date, details regarding the formation of the OSB Alumni Association, details about two trophies that will be awarded annually to a current Solar Bears player in honor and memory of both Dan Snyder and Rob Kenny, and a number of exciting promotional events. In addition, the Solar Bears will unveil a commemorative “Out of Hibernation” logo that will be affixed to the team’s home and road jerseys for the 2012-13 season. The team also plans to unveil its 3rd jersey during the early portion of the season. Follow the Solar Bears at OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.comFacebook and Twitter for all the latest news and updates.

 

The Orlando Solar Bears, the ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Minnesota Wild and AHL’s Houston Aeros, are coming Out of Hibernation and will play 36 regular season home games at the 2012 Street and Smith’s Sports Business Journal Sports Facility of the Year, the Amway Center, beginning October 20, 2012.

 

Season ticket plans are available now. Everyone is invited to take advantage of the Orlando Solar Bears season ticket pre-sale offer by placing a $50 deposit per ticket now to receive seat selection priority. Full and half season ticket plans range in price from $225-$1480 per season ticket (includes facility fee), reflecting a savings of up to 42% off box office pricing. Call the Solar Bears at 407-951-8200 or visit OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.com.

 

Group tickets are a great way to entertain employees, co-workers, clients, friends and family. For more information on discounted group tickets and a list of group benefits, call407-951-8200.

 

Orlando Solar Bears merchandise can be purchased online at: http://shop.orlandosolarbearshockey.com/.

 

Stats from Hockeydb.com.

       

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Solar Bears to Raise The Turner Cup Banner

 

SOLAR BEARS TO RAISE TURNER CUP CHAMPIONSHIP BANNER

 

Orlando, Fl. – The Orlando Solar Bears announced today that they will honor the 2001 (IHL) Championship team by raising the Turner Cup Championship banner during this year’s Out of Hibernation season. The banner is scheduled to be raised during a special pre-game ceremony on Saturday, February 2, 2013 at the Amway Center before the Solar Bears take on the Trenton Titans.

 

In 2001, the Orlando Solar Bears defeated the Chicago Wolves 5-1 in Game 5 of the best of seven series to win the Championship series 4 games to 1. The Solar Bears were the last IHL team to win the Turner Cup before the IHL ceased operations that summer.

 

“From ‘Day One’ of our existence we have had every intention of honoring the past as we celebrate our future.  This is unfinished business,” stated Solar Bears Managing Partner Jason Siegel.  “For the players and coaches, front office staff, Amway Arena staff, and fans of the 2001 Championship team this ceremony is long overdue and we are honored to play a small role in assuring it happens.”

 

The banner raising pregame ceremony will include special appearances by members of the Solar Bears’ championship team.   Arrangements have been made with the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto to have the Turner Cup on hand and the current Solar Bears team will wear commemorative throw-back jerseys that night.  Fans in attendance on February 2 will take home commemorative mini-banners as a keep sake.

 

Over the next 2-6 weeks the Solar Bears expect to announce a number of player signings, our new radio broadcast partner, details for our OSB Training Camp dates and Open Invitation Try-Out, Single Game Ticket “On Sale” date, details regarding the formation of the OSB Alumni Association, details about two trophies that will be awarded annually to a current Solar Bears player in honor and memory of both Dan Snyder and Rob Kenny, and a number of exciting promotional events. In addition, the Solar Bears will unveil a commemorative “Out of Hibernation” logo that will be affixed to the team’s home and road jerseys for the 2012-13 season. The team also plans to unveil its 3rd jersey during the early portion of the season. Follow the Solar Bears at OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.com,Facebook and Twitter for all the latest news and updates.

 

The Orlando Solar Bears, the ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Minnesota Wild and AHL’s Houston Aeros, are coming Out of Hibernation and will play 36 regular season home games at the 2012 Street and Smith’s Sports Business Journal Sports Facility of the Year, the Amway Center, beginning October 20, 2012.

 

Season ticket plans are available now. Everyone is invited to take advantage of the Orlando Solar Bears season ticket pre-sale offer by placing a $50 deposit per ticket now to receive seat selection priority. Full and half season ticket plans range in price from $225-$1480 per season ticket (includes facility fee), reflecting a savings of up to 42% off box office pricing. Call the Solar Bears at 407-951-8200 or visit OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.com.

 

Group tickets are a great way to entertain employees, co-workers, clients, friends and family. For more information on discounted group tickets and a list of group benefits, call 407-951-8200.

 

Orlando Solar Bears merchandise can be purchased online at: http://shop.orlandosolarbearshockey.com/.

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Join Us On The Amway Center Fan Tour!

As most people know I am a Twitter fiend, says the girl with 103,880 tweets! Twitter is my drug of choice! I am forever tweeting about lots of things that usually aren’t important but a lot of time those silly things have paid off!

The Amway Center here in Orlando is home to the Orlando Magic, The Orlando Predators and my person favorite the Orlando Solar Bears. They are a huge concert and sporting venue. Beautiful new facility that replaced the old Amway Arena a few years ago. They were running a Twitter and Facebook ReTweet/RePost contest for all their followers for a chance at a behind the scenes tour of the facility! Well, I was one of the lucky ten winners!!! So this past Wednesday me and my favorite +1  Shelley Caran took a trip to see this beautiful facility!

Do you see that 46 foot Jumbo tron???? Yeah Buddy! It is the Biggest in the USA!!!! We learned so much about the facility and what goes into making it from a basketball court, to a hockey arena, into a concert venue and into a Circus Tent!!!! We also learned that the Amway Center is the FIRST NBA facility to earn Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design new construction certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The arena uses 20% less energy and 40% less water than arenas of similar size.

Amway Center “green” features include:

  • Preferred parking for hybrids and other energy-efficient vehicles
  • High-efficiency heating and cooling systems
  • Ultra-low-flow toilets
  • A reflective and insulated roof that reduces cooling costs
  • High-tech monitoring systems that shut off the lights when a room is empty
  • Bicycle racks, showers and changing rooms for workers who bike to work
  • Systems to treat storm runoff before it can pollute nearby lakes
  • Recycling bins for fans and concertgoers
  • Additionally, many of the points toward LEED certification for the Amway Center were earned during construction. For example, of the facility’s building materials, 15 percent are recycled and 20 percent come from local sources. About 83 percent of the wood, concrete and steel construction waste has been recycled rather than sent to a landfill.
This is ONE beautiful facility! They took us on a tour of everything, we got to meet Stuff (Orlando Magic Mascot) and Shades (Orlando Hockey Mascot), we got treated to an amazing dessert spread and they even did a few giveaways and of course, me being Princess Luck won a Orlando Magic Jersey! We also got a swag bag at the end that included tickets to an Orlando Predators game and an Orlando Predators shirt to wear! They treated us like royalty! Big Huge Shout out to Jen at the Amway Center who was the young lady who set up our tour and is the face behind their twitter account! I can not wait to go to a Preds game and I am SO SO SO SO SO SO SO Excited for the upcoming Hockey Season! See you all on the glass!!

 

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Orlando Solar Bears Home Opener!!

The Orlando Solar Bears announced today that their Season Home Opener will be at the Amway Center on October 20, 2012 against the Florida Everblades!!!!! This will be a great game! The ECHL ( East Coast Hockey League) announced today their entire 25th Season schedule as well!

I can NOT wait to bring my friends and family to some of their first hockey games!!!!!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE Hockey and I am SO SO Excited!

This was sent from the Desk of the ECHL:
ECHL RELEASES 2012-13 SCHEDULE
ECHL
PRESS RELEASES

May 30, 2012
PRINCETON, N.J. – The ECHL announced on Wednesday that its 25th season will begin on Friday, Oct. 12 with seven games being played in six states from New Jersey to California and continues on Saturday, Oct. 13 with 11 more games in nine states. Opening Weekend concludes on Sunday, Oct. 14 with one game.

Three of the ECHL’s four new members open their home schedules on the first weekend of the season. On Oct. 12, the Fort Wayne Komets host the Kalamazoo Wings at Memorial Coliseum while the San Francisco Bulls host the Bakersfield Condors in the first professional hockey game at the Cow Palace since 1996. The Evansville IceMen play their first ECHL game on Saturday, Oct. 13, hosting Fort Wayne at the Ford Center.

The Orlando Solar Bears open their home schedule at Amway Center on Saturday, Oct. 20 against Florida.

Began in 1988-89 with five teams in four states, the ECHL has grown into a coast-to-coast league that will have 23 teams in 16 states playing 828 games from Oct. 12, 2012 to March 30, 2013.

Wheeling celebrates its 21st season in 2012-13 while South Carolina plays its 20th season. Toledo returns for its 19th season, Florida celebrates its 15th year, Trenton its 14th season and Reading its 12th season in the ECHL. Alaska, Bakersfield, Gwinnett, Idaho and Las Vegas each celebrate their 10th ECHL season in 2012-13.

The third-longest tenured professional hockey league behind only the National Hockey League and the American Hockey League, the ECHL averaged 4,281 fans per game in 2011-112 which is the eighth consecutive season and the 20th time in the last 22 years that the ECHL has averaged over 4,000 fans.

The Florida Everblades will raise their first-ever Kelly Cup championship banner at Germain Arena on Saturday, Oct. 13 as they host Orlando in the Solar Bears’ first-ever ECHL game.

The Elmira Jackals will celebrate their Atlantic Division title when they open at First Arena against Reading on Friday, Oct. 12, while Ontario, which has led the ECHL in attendance each of the last three seasons, will raise its Pacific Division championship banner on Oct. 13 against Stockton.

Kalamazoo, which has won the North Division title each of its three seasons in the ECHL, opens its home schedule on Friday, Oct. 19 against Fort Wayne. The Gwinnett Gladiators will celebrate their South Division title the same night against Ontario.

Las Vegas will raise its Western Conference championship banner on Friday, Oct. 19 when they host Stockton. The Alaska Aces will raise their sixth division title banner the same night against Utah.

The Trenton Titans, who led the ECHL with a 26.1 percent increase in attendance in 2011-12, opens at home on Friday, Oct. 12 against Greenville. Colorado, which has sold out all 350 regular season and playoff games in team history, hosts Alaska at the Budweiser Events Center on Opening Night, while Idaho hosts Utah and Stockton entertains Ontario in their clubs’ home openers.

Toledo, which has surpassed 6,000 fans per game in two of its three seasons at Huntington Center, hosts Kalamazoo on Saturday, Oct. 13. Cincinnati, which has increased its attendance for each of the last five seasons, opens on Saturday against Wheeling.

It will be a Kelly Cup Playoffs rematch at the North Charleston Coliseum as the South Carolina Stingrays open their home schedule on Oct. 13 against Gwinnett. Also on Saturday, Reading opens its home schedule against Trenton while Utah hosts Idaho in the back end of an opening weekend home-and-home series.

The Bakersfield Condors wrap up Opening Weekend on Sunday, hosting the Las Vegas Wranglers at Rabobank Arena on Sunday, Oct. 14.

The Greenville Road Warriors open play at the BI-LO Center against their in-state rivals, the South Carolina Stingrays, on Friday, Oct. 19. Wheeling is the final team to host its home opener on Friday, Oct. 26 against Reading.

After no games between out-of-conference opponents during the 2011-12 regular season, the 2012-13 schedule sees 24 games between Eastern and Western Conference foes. Ontario travels to Gwinnett on Oct. 19 and South Carolina on Oct. 20 and 21. Bakersfield visits Wheeling on Jan. 25, Toledo on Jan. 26 and Kalamazoo on Jan. 27 while Idaho is at South Carolina on Jan. 25 and Gwinnett on Jan. 26 and 27. Las Vegas heads to Trenton on Jan. 25 and is at Reading on Jan. 26 and 27.

Florida and Fort Wayne will each play a three-game series at Colorado. The Everblades visit on Nov. 21, 23 and 24, while the Komets are at Budweiser Events Center on Feb. 6, 8 and 9. Orlando visits Las Vegas on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 and is at Ontario on Dec. 2 while Gwinnett travels to Utah on March 6 and to Idaho on March 8 and 9.

Premier ‘AA’ Hockey League Fast Facts
• Watch games live on America One, the “Official Broadband & Mobile Broadcaster” of the ECHL.
• The ECHL celebrates its 25th Anniversary in 2012-13 and is the third-longest tenured professional hockey league behind only the National Hockey League and the American Hockey League.
• ECHL began in 1988-89 with five teams in four states and has grown to be a coast-to-coast league with 23 teams in 16 states in 2012-13.
• The league officially changed its name from East Coast Hockey League to ECHL on May 19, 2003.
• 490 players have played in the NHL after playing in the ECHL including 23 in 2010-11.
• 23 ECHL players made their NHL debut in 2011-12: former Toledo Walleye, Gwinnett Gladiators and Colorado Eagles right wing Akim Aliu (Calgary on April 5), former Florida Everblades center Mike Angelidis (Tampa Bay on Jan. 24), former Victoria Salmon Kings defenseman Jordie Benn (Dallas on Jan. 3), former Bakersfield Condors and Elmira Jackals defenseman Stu Bickel (New York Rangers on Dec. 20), former Greenville Road Warriors defenseman Marc-Andre Bourdon (Philadelphia on Nov. 21), former South Carolina Stingrays defenseman Joe Finley (Buffalo on Dec. 2), Cincinnati Cyclones goaltender Brian Foster (Florida on Feb. 4), former Victoria Salmon Kings defenseman Kris Fredheim (Minnesota on Nov. 17), former Gwinnett Gladiators center Ryan Garbutt (Dallas on Feb. 18), former Elmira Jackals center Mike Hoffman (Ottawa on Dec. 23), former Victoria Salmon Kings goaltender Leland Irving (Calgary on Dec. 16), former Toledo Storm and Reading Royals center Bracken Kearns (Florida on Oct. 20), Stockton Thunder center Milan Kytnar (Edmonton on Jan. 11), former Bakersfield Condors center Maxime Macenauer (Anaheim on Oct. 7), former Ontario Reign center Jordan Nolan (Los Angeles on Feb. 11), former Idaho Steelheads center and two-time ECHL All-Star Greg Rallo (Florida on Dec. 18), former Cincinnati Cyclones center Ryan Russell (Columbus on Jan. 7), former Reading Royals goaltender Jussi Rynnas (Toronto on March 27), former Reading Royals goaltender Ben Scrivens (Toronto on Nov. 3), former Cincinnati Cyclones defenseman Frederic St. Denis (Montreal on Nov. 16), former Ontario Reign defenseman Colten Teubert (Edmonton on Nov. 3), former Wheeling Nailers goaltender Brad Thiessen (Pittsburgh on Feb. 26) and former Las Vegas Wranglers right wing Matt Watkins (Phoenix on Feb. 21).
• Six players played in the ECHL and NHL in 2011-12: Akim Aliu with Colorado and Calgary, Brian Foster with Cincinnati and Florida, Milan Kytnar with Stockton and Edmonton, Peter Mannino with Chicago and Winnipeg, Jussi Rynnas with Reading and Toronto and Allen York with Chicago and Columbus.
• The ECHL has had 298 players reach the NHL since 2002-03 when it changed its focus to become the primary developmental league for the NHL and the AHL. The ECHL had 97 players reach the NHL in its first 10 seasons and 215 in the first 15 years.
• 234 ECHL players have played their first game in the last seven seasons for an average of more than 33 per year.
• ECHL had a record 81 players on NHL opening-day rosters in 2011-12, surpassing the 79 from 2010-11 and marking the ninth year in a row that there have been over 50 former ECHL players on opening-day rosters.
• ECHL had affiliations with 26 of the 30 NHL teams in 2011-12, marking the 15th consecutive season that the league had affiliations with at least 20 teams in the NHL.
• 31 coaches with an ECHL background worked behind the benches of teams in the NHL in 2011-12 including Anaheim Ducks head coach Bruce Boudreau, Pittsburgh Penguins head coach and 2011 Jack Adams Award winner Dan Bylsma, New York Islanders head coach Jack Capuano, Dallas Stars head coach Glen Gulutzan, Philadelphia Flyers head coach Peter Laviolette and Winnipeg Jets head coach Claude Noel. It is the seventh consecutive season that there have been 11 or more coaches with an ECHL background working in the NHL. Boudreau, who coached Mississippi for three seasons winning the Kelly Cup championship in 1999, was named NHL Coach of the Year in 2007-08 becoming the first former ECHL coach to receive the award.
• 24 former ECHL officials worked as part of the NHL officiating team in 2011-12 with referees David Banfield, Darcy Burchell, Francis Charron, Ghislain Hebert, Jean Hebert, Marc Joannette, Mike Leggo, Mark Lemelin, Wes McCauley, Dean Morton, Dan O’Rourke, Brian Pochmara, Kevin Pollock, Kyle Rehman, Chris Rooney, Justin St. Pierre, Graham Skilliter and Ian Walsh, and linesmen Steve Barton, Brian Mach, Matt MacPherson, Tim Nowak, Bryan Pancich and Jay Sharrers.
• ECHL was represented for the 11th year in a row on the Stanley Cup champion in 2011 with Boston Bruins assistant coach Geoff Ward, players Rich Peverley, Michael Ryder and Tim Thomas, radio broadcaster Dave Goucher and scout Tom McVie. Thomas is the first former ECHL player to win the Conn Smythe Trophy as Most Valuable Player of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. There were 34 former players and 19 coaches on the 16 teams competing in the National Hockey League’s Stanley Cup Playoffs, marking the sixth year in a row that there have been at least 30 former ECHL players and the eighth consecutive season that over 25 players with ECHL experience have competed in the NHL postseason.
• Former ECHL and current Boston Bruins goaltender Tim Thomas was the recipient of the Vezina Trophy as the top goaltender in the NHL in 2010-11, marking the second time he has won the award in the past three seasons. Thomas set a single-season NHL record with a .938 save percentage.
• Former ECHL player and current Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Dan Bylsma was the recipient of the Jack Adams Award as the NHL’s Coach of the Year in 2010-11.
• ECHL was represented in the 2012 NHL All-Star Game by Dan Girardi of the New York Rangers, Jonathan Quick of the Los Angeles Kings and Tim Thomas of the Boston Bruins.
• Former ECHL broadcasters working in the NHL include John Ahlers and Steve Carroll of the Anaheim Ducks, Tom Callahan of the Nashville Predators, Dave Goucher of the Boston Bruins, Chris Kerber of the St. Louis Blues, Jack Michaels of the Edmonton Oilers, Dave Mishkin of the Tampa Bay Lightning and Bob McElligott of the Columbus Blue Jackets.
• Ryan Stanzel and Jeremy Zager, who were both recipients of the ECHL Media Relations Director of the Year award, are working in the communications department for the Minnesota Wild and the Los Angeles Kings, respectively. Former ECHL assistant director of communications Joe Siville and Kelly Murray are now with the Philadelphia Flyers and the Washington Capitals, respectively, while former ECHL director of communications Jason Rothwell is the creative director for the Columbus Blue Jackets.
• ECHL has affiliations with 24 of the 30 teams in the American Hockey League in 2011-12 and for the past 22 years there has been an ECHL player on the Calder Cup Champion.
• In the last seven seasons the ECHL has had more call-ups to the AHL than all other professional leagues combined with over 3,500 call-ups involving more than 1,800 players and in 2011-12 there were 10 times as many call-ups from the ECHL to the AHL than all other professional leagues.
• The ECHL averaged 4,281 fans per game in 2011-12, marking the eighth consecutive season and the 20th time in the last 22 years that the ECHL has averaged over 4,000 fans.
• Further information on the ECHL is available from its website at ECHL.com, as well as on Facebook and Twitter.

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