Two locals invited to Solar Bears training camp

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Solar Bears announced today that two players, forward Matthew Panzo (Eustis, FL) and defenseman Edward Levens (Clermont, FL) were selected from a group of 36 players who participated in last week’s open tryouts to compete at Solar Bears Training Camp. Panzo and Levens will be introduced to the media after the announcement of a partnership between the Orlando Solar Bears and the RDV Sportsplex Ice Den tonight (Tuesday, September 4th) at the RDV Sportsplex at 7:00 p.m.

Panzo (5’10”, 170 lbs.) was born and raised in Eustis, Florida, before heading up to Ontario as an eighth-grader to gain more hockey experience. The move paid off, as Panzo worked his way on to the roster of Gilmour Academy, a prep school in Cleveland, OH. During the 2011-12 season, the 20-year-old forward played for the Tampa Bay Juniors, notching eight goals and nine assists for 17 points in 28 games. He was tied for second on the team with two game-winning goals. Panzo has been playing in men’s leagues throughout the summer to stay in shape, and is attending Valencia College.

“I’m excited to have this opportunity. I’m really looking forward to building chemistry with the rest of the guys on the team and showing Coach Berehowsky what I can do,” said Panzo.

Levens, (6’2”, 208 lbs.) grew up in Chicago, Illinois, and played youth hockey for the AAA-level Chicago Chill. The 25-year-old played one season with the Indiana Ice in the USHL in 2006-07, posting two goals, five assists, and 100 PIM in 46 games. The fair weather enticed Levens to move to Florida in 2008, and he has been keeping up his skills by playing in local men’s leagues. He is currently working for Midwest Chemicals.

“I’m very happy to get a second chance at a professional career,” Levens said. “I really want to prove that I belong in this league, and I hope to show Coach Berehowsky and the Solar Bears organization that I am a good fit on this team.”

Orlando Solar Bears Head Coach Drake Berehowsky said, “I was very pleased with the level of talent I saw out of the players who came to tryouts. Both Matt and Edward stood out on the ice, and I am looking forward to seeing them compete for a spot on the roster.”

“We are very proud of Matt and Edward, two players who have skated here at the RDV Sportsplex,” said RDV Sportsplex Ice Den Director of Operations Debby Kwasman. “We’re excited to see them compete in Solar Bears camp, and we look forward to seeing who will be the next young players to develop at RDV and hopefully one day make a future Solar Bears 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. 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 OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.com, Facebook and Twitter 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.

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