Play-by-play broadcaster Bob Mills moves to AHL

Mills accepts position with the Rockford IceHogs

ORLANDO, Fla. - The Orlando Solar Bears, proud affiliate of the NHL's Toronto Maple Leafs and AHL's Toronto Marlies, announced that Director of Public Relations and Broadcasting Bob Mills has accepted a Broadcasting and Media position with the Rockford IceHogs, the American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate of the Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks.

"Plain and simple, Bob Mills will call games in the NHL one day. This has been a step in his career here in Orlando, and we were proud to have him call games throughout the first three seasons for the Solar Bears," said Solar Bears President/CEO Jason Siegel. "I grew up in the industry in the 90s with AHL broadcasters like Dan Rusanowsky (San Jose Sharks), Kenny Albert (FOX and New York Rangers), John Ahlers (Anaheim Ducks), and Joe Beninati (Washington Capitals). Bob is on the same path."

Mills was named the team's Director of Public Relations and Broadcasting prior to Orlando's "Out of Hibernation" 2012-13 season and has continued to serve in that role for each of the team's three seasons in the ECHL. He helped call the 2015 CCM/ECHL All-Star Classic along with veteran Tampa Bay Lightning broadcaster Dave Mishkin, and was named a finalist for the ECHL Broadcaster of the Year in each of his three seasons in Orlando. Along with serving as the Solar Bears radio broadcaster, Mills also called all six games televised live on Local 6-WKMG alongside Local 6 Sports Director David Pingalore and Solar Bears Director of Merchandising and Game Entertainment Samantha Piotrowski.

"From seeing a sold out crowd for our first ever home game to watching Orlando take the spotlight during the All-Star Classic, I've had the privilege of being part of some amazing moments with the Solar Bears," said Mills. "Orlando has been an outstanding place to grow and call home. My family and I are very thankful for the opportunity we have had with the Solar Bears and for the relationships we have built here in Orlando."

Prior to joining the Solar Bears, Mills had served as the play-by-play broadcaster for the Chicago Express (2011-12), Bakersfield Condors (2010-11), and Gwinnett Gladiators (2009-10). He was named the ECHL Broadcaster of the Year in 2011-12, and was part of the radio broadcast team for the 2011 ECHL All-Star game in Bakersfield, CA.

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.

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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, .