Solar Bears partner with Orlando Youth Hockey Association (OYHA)

Youth travel league to host its MLK tournament in conjunction with the 2015 CCM/ECHL All-Star Game presented by Visit Orlando from January 16-19, 2015

Orlando, Fla. — The Orlando Solar Bears, proud affiliate of the NHL's Toronto Maple Leafs and AHL's Toronto Marlies, announced today that they have entered into a partnership with the Orlando Youth Hockey Association (OYHA).

"We are very excited to expand our partnership with the Orlando Solar Bears and are proud to be wearing their logo on our alternate sweater for the upcoming year," said OYHA President Louis DiPaolo. "The return of the Solar Bears and their OYHA Solar Bears Jersey involvement in Central Florida Youth Hockey has helped expand the game tremendously in our community."

"Our hats go off to Louis DiPaolo and his tremendous group of athletes, parents, coaches and Board members that run and participate in the OYHA program," said Jason Siegel, President/CEO of the Orlando Solar Bears. "We are pleased to expand our involvement with the OYHA and look forward to having them participate in the All-Star festivities."

With the new partnership in place members of the Orlando Solar Bears coaching staff will attend the OYHA Kickoff Event this coming weekend (August 16, 2014) and on select dates throughout the season, OYHA Jr. Knights players will wear special Solar Bears-themed alternate jerseys (pictured above). The annual OYHA Martin Luther King Jr. Tournament at the RDV Sportsplex is scheduled for Friday, January 16, through Monday, January 19, and will help launch the festivities for the 2015 CCM/ECHL All-Star Classic, presented by Visit Orlando. The All-Star Game is scheduled for Wednesday, January 21st, at the Amway Center. The OYHA will also have opportunities to fundraise during the season, leading up to OYHA Night with the Orlando Solar Bears, where the organization will be the beneficiary of the net proceeds from in-game fundraisers.

Along with supporting the OYHA Jr. Knights, the Solar Bears proudly support house league programs at the Space Coast Iceplex and RDV Sportsplex Ice Den, and participate in hockey programs at the Ice Factory in Kissimmee and Daytona International Skateway. In addition to youth programs, the Solar Bears are a proud partner and assisted with the launch of the Central Florida High School Hockey League.

For more information on the OYHA, visit http://www.jrknights.org.