Matson named CCM ECHL Rookie of the Month

Solar Bears forward collected 19 points in 12 games in February

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 F Taylor Matson has been named the CCM ECHL Rookie of the Month after scoring eight goals and notching 11 assists for 19 points along with a +8 rating in 12 games for the Solar Bears during February.

Matson posted multiple point efforts in six of his 12 games, and scored at least one point nine times during February. He collected four points on one goal and three assists on February 23, including assisting on the overtime game-winning goal as Orlando earned a 4-3 win over the Kalamazoo Wings. The former Vancouver Canucks draft pick had back-to-back three point games for the Solar Bears on February 14 and 15, both against the Gwinnet Gladiators, and scored twice in the third period against the Toledo Walleye to help the Solar Bears to a comeback 4-3 win on February 22. Matson was named the ECHL Player of the Week for February 17-23 after scoring three goals along with four assists for seven points and a +6 rating in three contests.

The native of Mound, MN, is currently fourth on the Solar Bears with 31 points in 24 games, and is fifth among ECHL rookies with a +15 rating. Matson has played 31 games in the AHL with the Iowa Wild, scoring five points on two goals and three assists.

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 orTicketmaster.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 $500,000 for the Central Florida community. To read the Solar Bears Report to the Community, click here.