Ryan Cruthers named Solar Bears captain

Baker, Martin to serve as alternates

ORLANDO, Fla. - 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 a 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.

"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.com, Facebook, 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/