Solar Bears to hold practice at Space Coast Iceplex

The Solar Bears head to Brevard County on Jan. 22 and 24

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 they will hold practice at the Space Coast Iceplex on Wednesday, January 22, and Friday, January 24.

The first of the two Orlando Solar Bears practice times at the Space Coast Iceplex, located at 720 Roy Wall Blvd, Rockledge, FL, 32955, will be held on Wednesday, January 22, from 3:15 p.m. until 4:45 p.m. The second practice takes place from 11:45 a.m. through 12:45 p.m. Immediately following the practice on Wednesday, Solar Bears players and Shades will be available for pictures and autographs with fans.

"We are so pleased to have the opportunity to practice at the Iceplex and thank Rick Ninko and his team for hosting us," said Orlando Solar Bears President/CEO Jason Siegel. "We have had terrific support from our Brevard County fans at our games at the Amway Center, and this is an excellent chance to bring our team to their backyard."Among the players that will be with the Solar Bears at the Space Coast Iceplex is forward Ian Slater, who grew up in Satellite Beach and played youth hockey at the Iceplex. "When my family moved from South Florida to Central Florida, the Space Coast Iceplex was the closest rink to my house," said Slater. "I have a lot of fond memories from playing hockey here during my youth. There is a still picture hanging up on the wall here of my House League Championship Team, and prior to this summer I hadn't seen it in over 10 years. Practicing here really takes me back. It is special to go to the place where my foundation was laid.""The Space Coast Iceplex last hosted the Solar Bears in September of 1997," said Rick Ninko, President and Owner of the Space Coast Iceplex. "We are excited and honored to have them back for some practice sessions. This is especially exciting since in 1997, Solar Bear Assistant Captain Ian Slater was a nine year-old first year Squirt playing in our very first Iceplex Youth Hockey program. I think we call this coming full circle."

The Solar Bears return from a four game road trip to host the Gwinnett Gladiators on 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, and the first 3,000 fans in attendance will receive a commemorative puck, courtesy of Florida Hospital, on Sunday.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.