Orlando Solar Bears | Affiliations & Alumni

The Solar Bears entered into a three-year affiliation agreement with the Tampa Bay Lightning of the NHL prior to the 2018-19 season. The affiliation was extended an additional two seasons on July 19, 2021.

Entering the 2024-25 season, the Solar Bears have received 21 players under NHL contract to Tampa Bay since the beginning of the affiliation, along with 10 additional players under American Hockey League contracts with the Syracuse Crunch. Furthermore, 11 Solar Bears players have received AHL Professional Tryout Agreements from Syracuse, while four players have earned AHL contracts with the Crunch.

NHL AFFILIATE: TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING

Founded: 1992
General Manager: Julien BriseBois
Head Coach: Jon Cooper
Arena: Amalie Arena
Stanley Cups: 3 — 2004; 2020; 2021

PLAYER	POSITION	NHL TEAMS	SEASONS IN ORLANDO	NHL DEBUT
Darcy Kuemper*	Goaltender	MIN, LAK, ARI, COL, WSH, LAK	2012-13	Feb. 12, 2013
Garret Sparks	Goaltender	TOR, VGK, LAK	2013-16; 2020-21	Nov. 30, 2015
Christopher Gibson	Goaltender	NYI, TB	2013-14	Jan. 2, 2016
Mike Liambas	Forward	NSH, ANA	2012-13	Dec. 3, 2016
Jack Rodewald	Forward	OTT	2015-16	Oct. 27, 2017
Kasimir Kaskisuo	Goaltender	TOR, NSH	2016-18	Nov. 16, 2019
Mason Marchment	Forward	TOR, FLA, DAL	2016-17	Jan. 2, 2020
Connor Ingram	Goaltender	NSH, ARZ, UTA	2018-19	Oct. 24, 2021
Zach Fucale	Goaltender	WSH	2019-20	Nov. 11, 2021
Hugo Alnefelt	Goaltender	TB	2021-22	Dec. 30, 2021

PLAYER

POSITION

NHL TEAMS

SEASONS IN ORLANDO

NHL DEBUT

Darcy Kuemper*

Goaltender

MIN, LAK, ARI, COL, WSH, LAK

2012-13

Feb. 12, 2013

Garret Sparks

Goaltender