Former Solar Bears Goalie Christopher Gibson Makes NHL Debut for Islanders

Netminder makes 16 saves in relief appearance

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Solar Bears, proud affiliate of the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs and AHL’s Toronto Marlies, are excited to announce that former goaltender Christopher Gibson made his NHL debut on Saturday night, making 16 saves on 17 shots in a relief appearance in the New York Islanders’ 5-2 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins at CONSOL Energy Center, becoming the 582nd player in ECHL history to advance to the NHL.

Gibson, 23, replaced Thomas Greiss midway through the second period and gave up one goal in 29:03 of action for New York. Gibson is now the 15th player in Solar Bears history to also appear in an NHL game, and just the third player in Solar Bears history to make his NHL debut after developing in Orlando, following goaltenders Garret Sparks and Darcy Kuemper.

Gibson suited up for the Solar Bears during the 2013-14 campaign, appearing in 20 games and posting an 8-9-2 record with a 3.16 goals-against average and a .892 save percentage.

The native of Karkkila, Finland was acquired by the Islanders in a six-player trade with the Maple Leafs on September 17, 2015. Gibson was originally drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in the second round (#49 overall) of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.

The Solar Bears host the Florida Everblades in a Wawa Sunshine Cup Series game as they continue their fourth season in the ECHL, presented by Auto Justice Attorney Michael T. Gibson, P.A. on Sunday, Jan. 3 at 6:00 p.m. at the Amway Center.

Sunday’s game is also the second game of Orlando’s Hockey Fights Cancer Weekend festivities, as the Solar Bears will wear specialty pink jerseys.

for the Solar Bears 2015-16 promotional and events calendar.

Single-game tickets for the 2015-16 season are on sale now and can be purchased for as little as $15 at the Amway Center Box Office or online at OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.com or Ticketmaster.com.

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 Amway Center, the 2012 Street and Smith's Sports Business Journal Sports Facility of the Year.

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/.

To read the Solar Bears Report to the Community, click here.