C.J. Severyn returns from Utica

Defenseman Paul Baier retires

ORLANDO, Fla. - The Orlando Solar Bears, proud affiliate of the NHL's Minnesota Wild and Toronto Maple Leafs and AHL's Iowa Wild and Toronto Marlies, announced today that forward C.J. Severyn has returned to the team from the Utica Comets of the AHL and D Paul Baier announced his retirement.

Severyn played in two games with the Comets following a four game stint with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins earlier this season. He has played in 19 gameswith Orlando, picking up 17 points on six goals and 11 assists to go along with 66 PIM. The Beaver, PA, native last appeared for the Solar Bears on November 28 (Thanksgiving), picking up a goal and an assist to help Orlando to a 3-1 win over the Greenville Road Warriors.

Paul Baier announced his retirement today after five full seasons and 276 games of professional hockey in North America and Europe. Baier played in 200 games in the AHL with Hershey, Rochester, Binghamton, and Portland, scoring eight goals to go along with 27 assists for 25 points and 206 PIM. He played 12 games for the Solar Bears this season, scoring one goal and picking up 20 PIM. Baier was drafted in the third round, #95 overall, by the Los Angelos Kings in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.

"Paul has had a tremendous career and we wish him the best of the luck in his future endeavors," said Head Coach Vince Williams. "He has been an outstanding professional with our team both on and off the ice and has set a good example for our players during his time here this season."

The Solar Bears return from a four game road trip to host the Gwinnett Gladiators tonight, Thursday, January 23rd, at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, January 26, against the Florida Everblades at 3:00 p.m. Orlando will wear special pink jerseys for both games as part of Hockey Fights Cancer Weekend, and on Sunday, the first 3,000 fans in attendance will receive a commemorative puck, courtesy of Florida Hospital.

Orlando Solar Bears individual game tickets for the 2013-14 season are on sale. Tickets can be purchased at the Amway Center Box Office or online at OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.com or Ticketmaster.com. For the Promotional Calendar, click here.

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. Stay in touch with Shades on Instagram by following ShadestheSolarBear.

Don't get shut-out when we sell out! Take advantage of the Orlando Solar Bears season tickets and 18 game plans. 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/

Since beginning operations in November of 2011, the Solar Bears have helped raise over $350,000 for the Central Florida community. To read the Solar Bears Report to the Community, click here.