Solar Bears alum Todd Richards to take part in Opening Night ceremonies

Come early to watch pregame ceremonies - doors open at 6 p.m.

ORLANDO, Fla. - 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.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/