Mike Liambas earns first trip to AHL

Solar Bears add defenseman James Sanford

ORLANDO, Fla. - The Orlando Solar Bears announced today that D/F Mike Liambas has been loaned to the Milwaukee Admirals of the American Hockey League (AHL).

Liambas (5'9", 191 lbs.) has skated in 32 games for Orlando this season, scoring two goals and adding seven assists for nine points along with 151 PIM. He was acquired from the Cincinnati Cyclones on October 30, and scored one goal while also being issued a fighting major in his first appearance with the Solar Bears, a 4-3 overtime win over the Greenville Road Warriors on November 2. Liambas played one game for Cincinnati this season, picking up one assist and 20 PIM. He currently leads the Solar Bears with 171 PIM.

The Woodbridge, Ontario, native has played 102 games in his professional career with Orlando and Cincinnati in the ECHL and the Bloomington Prairie Thunder in the IHL (International Hockey League). He has compiled 25 points on four goals and 21 assists to go along with 549 PIM.

Sanford (5'10", 200 lbs.) played two games with the Reading Royals at the end of January, earning one assist. He has played 29 games with the Dayton Demonz of the Federal Hockey League (FHL) this season, notching 32 points (11 goals, 21 assists) in 29 games. The 28 year-old defenseman has played 130 games in the ECHL with Reading, Trenton, Utah, Texas, Long Beach, and Peoria, scoring 18 goals and adding 63 assists for 81 points. He has played 99 games in the AHL with Chicago, Milwaukee, and Hamilton, earning 40 points on 12 goals and 28 assists.

The Moncton, NB, native skated four seasons in the QMJHL (Quebec Major Junior Hockey League) from 2000-04, finishing his junior career with 187 points in 272 games. He led all Moncton Wildcats defensemen in goals and points for three straight seasons (2001-04), and competed with the Canada U-18 team in the World Junior Championships in 2001-02.

The Solar Bears look to continue their winning ways at the Amway Center (8-0-0-1 in last nine home games) this Thursday and Friday against arch rival, the Florida Everblades. Both games start at 7:00 p.m. Good seats still available, visit www.orlandosolarbearshockey.com

Orlando released C Darick Ste-Marie, who appeared in eight games, scoring two goals and adding one assist.

For the current roster, click here.

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 JournalSports 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/