Solar Bears name Matt McIlvane as assistant coach

ORLANDO, Fla. - The Orlando Solar Bears announced today that Matt McIlvane will join their coaching staff as assistant coach for their Out of Hibernation season, which begins October, 2012.

"Matt has a wealth of experience. He enjoyed a terrific professional hockey career and brings us strong recruiting contacts from USA collegiate hockey. With his organizational skills he'll become an integral part of our organization," said Solar Bears Head Coach Drake Berehowsky. "I have coached Matt and am excited about having him on our coaching staff."

An 8th round draft pick (251st overall) of the Ottawa Senators in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, McIlvane played 100 professional hockey games from 2007-11. He was a member of seven different teams and played professionally in the American Hockey League, ECHL, Central Hockey League and the International Hockey League, as well as overseas before retiring in 2011. McIlvane played for the Peoria Rivermen (AHL) for two seasons (2009-2010, 2010-2011) where Berehowsky was the assistant coach.

Before his professional career, McIlvane played four years of collegiate hockey at the Ohio State University where he was a four year Scholar-Athlete and made the Big Ten's All-Academic Team. He graduated from the Ohio State in 2008 and received his B.A. in Sports Leadership and Humanities.

McIlvane served as the head coach and general manager for the expansion Danville Dashers of the Federal Hockey League in December, 2011.  He graduated in 2008 and received his B.A. in Sports Leadership and Humanities.

"I am excited about joining Drake and the Solar Bears," said McIlvane. "Drake is a strong motivator and teacher and I look forward to assisting him in recruiting and coaching the team."

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 fill the form out to the right.

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/