Darcy Kuemper becomes 500th ECHL player to play in NHL

Former Solar Bear Darcy Kuemper started for Minnesota tonight

ORLANDO, Fla. - The Orlando Solar Bears announced today that former Orlando Solar Bears goaltender Darcy Kuemper has increased the number of former ECHL players to play in the NHL to 500 after making his NHL debut with the Minnesota Wild against the Vancouver Canucks tonight. He started three games for Orlando earlier this season before being recalled their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Houston Aeros.

Kuemper joins forwards Ryan Reaves and B.J. Crombeen as former ECHL Solar Bears who have played in the NHL. Kuemper started three games for the Orlando Solar Bears this season posting a 2.61 GAA and .929 save percentage. He has played 16 games with the Houston Aeros of the AHL this year, going 10-6-0 with a 1.79 GAA and .938 save percentage. He is second in the AHL in both GAA and save percentage, and is tied for fourth with four shutouts.

The Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, native has played 11 games in the ECHL over the past two seasons with a 7-3-0-1 record, 1.98 GAA, and .937 save percentage. Kuemper has played 39 AHL games, all with the Houston Aeros, collecting an 18-13-4 record, 2.12 GAA, and five shutouts. He was drafted by the Minnesota Wild in the sixth round (#161 overall) in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.

Get Tickets:

Orlando returns home for three games against the South Carolina Stingrays on Friday, February 15, at 7:00 p.m., Saturday, February 16, at 7:00 p.m., and Sunday, February 17, at 3:00 p.m. Good seats still available, visit www.OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.com.

The Orlando Solar Bears, the ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Minnesota Wild and AHL's Houston Aeros, play all of their home games at the 2012 Street and Smith's Sports Business Journal Sports Facility of the Year, the Amway Center.

Individual tickets for all regular season home games are 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.

Don't get shut-out when we sell out! 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 for the 2013-14 season. Call the Solar Bears at 407-951-8200 or visit www.OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.com.

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.

Officially licensed Orlando Solar Bears replica team jerseys, apparel, and headwear can be purchased online at: http://shop.orlandosolarbearshockey.com/