Scott Tanski returns to Solar Bears

Tanski and brothers Paul, Eric Baier to play in Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. - The Orlando Solar Bears, proud affiliates of the NHL's Minnesota Wild and Toronto Maple Leafs and AHL's Iowa Wild and Toronto Marlies, announced today that they have agreed to terms with forward Scott Tanski and defensemen Paul and Eric Baier.

Tanski (6-0, 180 lbs.) notched nine goals and added 13 assists for 22 points in 58 games with the Solar Bears last season. He scored back-to-back game winning goals against the Florida Everblades on December 27 and 28, and also added a game winner in overtime to help the Solar Bears earn a 3-2 victory over the Wheeling Nailers on January 19. His three game winning goals helped him to earn the 2012-13 Solar Bears Clutch Performer Award last season.

The Athabasca, Alberta, native played 68 games, scoring five goals and adding six assists, for the AHL's Connecticut Whale in 2011-12, his first professional season. From 2007-11, Tanski skated for the Brampton Battalion in the OHL. He served as the team's Alternate Captain in 2010-11 while leading his team in assists (29) and points (47). His OHL career numbers include 53 goals and 80 assists for 133 points in 219 games.

Paul Baier (6-4, 225 lbs.) is the older of the Baier brothers and was drafted in the third round (#95 overall) by the Los Angeles Kings in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.  He skated for Valpellice in Italy last season, scoring two goals and adding two assists for four points along with 16 PIM in 19 games. Paul Baier began the 2011-12 season with the South Carolina Stingrays, earning 40 PIM, two goals, and six assists in 39 games. He appeared in two games with the Hershey Bears of the AHL that season before ending his season with six games for Cortina, earning three assists. Paul Baier played exclusively in the AHL from 2008-11, with Portland, Binghamton, and Rochester, appearing in 189 games notching 31 points on seven goals and 24 assists to go along with 196 PIM. He made his professional debut with the Rochester Americans at the end of the 2007-08 season, scoring one goal and adding three assists in nine games.

Paul Baier played four seasons at Brown University (NCAA) from 2004-08. He appeared in 125 games in his NCAA career, recording 28 points on five goals and 23 assists.

Eric Baier (6-2, 209 lbs.) split last season among the Trenton Titans and the AHL's Providence Bruins, Portland Pirates, and Charlotte Checkers. In 56 games with Trenton, he tallied 13 points on three goals and 10 assists. Eric Baier played 51 games for Trenton in 2011-12, scoring 17 points (4 goals, 13 assists) while also skating in 18 games between the Albany Devils and Rockford IceHogs of the AHL. After finishing his NCAA career in 2009-10, he broke into the professional ranks with six games for the Reading Royals and three games, with one assist, for the Portland Pirates (AHL).

The native of North Kingston, RI, played four seasons (2007-11) for Providence College (NCAA) where he had nine goals and 23 assists for 32 points in 127 games. He was named to the NCAA Hockey East All-Academic Team in 2009-10.

"Scott brings lots of energy and passion to this organization on and off the ice. We look forward to him being a big part of our forward core for the upcoming season," said Head Coach Vince Williams. "Paul is a veteran defenseman who has played at the next level and brings leadership, experience, size, and a physical presence to our blue line. Eric adds significant depth to our back end and is a great pro. He can play in all situations which is an asset for our organization."

The Solar Bears have agreed to terms with 13 players for the 2013-14 season:

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

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 visit www.orlandosolarbearshockey.com/groups.

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