NHL ALL-STAR AND OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALISTCURTIS JOSEPH SELECTED TO PLAY INSOLAR BEARS CELEBRITY HOCKEY CLASSIC

Iconic NHL Goaltender Steps between the Pipes on April 4, 2015

Feb. 27, 2015

Orlando, FL - The Orlando Solar Bears, proud affiliate of the NHL's Toronto Maple Leafs and AHL's Toronto Marlies, announced that Curtis Joseph, nicknamed "Cujo" (inspired by the Stephen King novel and the first letters of his first and last name) will skate in the 2015 Orlando Solar Bears Celebrity Hockey Classic on Saturday, April 4, 2015. Joseph won 454 games in the NHL, the fourth most of any goaltender in NHL history, and is also known for his iconic mask featuring a  snarling dog.

"I'm looking forward to participating in this year's charity event," said Joseph. "We've heard so many good things about the Solar Bears organization from our friends at the Maple Leafs."

The 3rd Annual Solar Bears Celebrity Hockey Classic invites local players to skate on Amway Center ice with former NHL and Olympic stars. In 2014 Hockey Hall of Famer Marcel Dionne, and US Olympians Mike Ramsey and Dave Christian participated. In 2013 we were joined by Hockey Hall of Famer Bryan Trottier. This year Orlando Solar Bears Head Coach Vince Williams will hit the ice along with Joseph and former Solar Bears goaltender Allan Bester. Williams played for the Solar Bears during their 2000-01 Turner Cup Championship season and led the Solar Bears to their first ever Kelly Cup Playoffs appearance with a 43-24-5 record last season. Bester has appeared in each of the first two Celebrity Hockey Classics at the Amway Center.

Joseph began his NHL career in 1989-90, playing in 15 regular season and six playoff games for the St. Louis Blues. Joseph began to garner postseason notoriety, which would become a trademark of his career, when he led St. Louis to an appearance in the Norris Division Finals and stopped 119 out of 122 shots in back-to-back double overtime contests against the Toronto Maple Leafs. After moving on from the Blues to the Edmonton Oilers, Joseph eventually signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs in July of 1998. In his first season with Toronto, Joseph helped the Maple Leafs reach the Eastern Conference Finals, finished as the runner up for the Vezina Trophy after winning 35 games, and won the 2000 King Clancy Memorial Trophy for the NHL player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and who has made a significant humanitarian contribution to his community.

Following his time in Toronto, Joseph played two seasons (2002-04) for the Detroit Red Wings, two seasons (2005-07)for the Phoenix Coyotes, and one season (2007-08) for the Calgary Flames. He returned to Toronto for his final NHL season in 2008-09. By the time his career came to a close, "Cujo" had become the first goaltender in NHL history to win at least 30 games in a season for five different teams.

Joseph's international career includes a gold medal for Team Canada at the 2002 Winter Olympics, a fourth place finish for Canada at the 1998 Winter Olympics, an appearance in the finals at the 1996 World Cup of Hockey, and a silver medal at the 1996 IIHF (International Ice Hockey Federation) World Championships. Joseph also played one season (1988-89) for the University of Wisconsin, where he was named the WCHA Freshman of the Year, the WCHA Most Valuable Player, selected to the WCHA First All-Star Team, and selected to the NCAA West Second All-American Team.

The Solar Bears Celebrity Hockey Classic will begin at 3:30 p.m. at the Amway Center on Saturday, April 4, immediately preceding the Solar Bears game against the Reading Royals. Players who take part in the Celebrity Hockey Classic will be recognized on the ice during an award presentation in one of the intermissions of the Solar Bears game that night.

Players who wish to participate in the Celebrity Hockey Classic can call the Solar Bears at 407-951-8200 or email Jake Ninko at jninko@orlandosolarbearshockey.com. Roster spots are limited and available on a first come first served basis.

Fans holding tickets for the Solar Bears game vs. the Reading Royals on Saturday, April 4, 2015, at 7:00 p.m. will gain complimentary admittance into the Celebrity Hockey Classic at 3:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster by clicking here.

Full and Half Season tickets are on sale now for the 2014-15 All-Star Season. Call the Solar Bears at 407-951-8200 or visit OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.com for more information.

Orlando Solar Bears Single Game Tickets for the regular season are on sale now! Click here to purchase tickets.

The Orlando Solar Bears, the ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Toronto Maple Leafs and AHL's 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.

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://store.orlandosolarbearshockey.com/

Since beginning operations in November of 2011, the Solar Bears and their fans have helped raise over $1,000,000 for the Central Florida community. To read the Solar Bears Report to the Community, click here