February 19, 2016

SOLAR BEARS ACQUIRE ECHL RIGHTS TODEFENSEMAN JAMES MARTIN FROM STEELHEADS

Bell Reassigned from Orlando to Idaho by Marlies

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Solar Bears, proud affiliate of the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs and AHL’s Toronto Marlies, have announced that the team has acquired the ECHL rights to defenseman James Martin from the Idaho Steelheads while the Marlies have reassigned defenseman Zach Bell to Idaho.

Martin, 24, signed an AHL standard player’s contract with the Marlies on Nov. 26, and has skated in 12 games with Toronto, recording three assists and six penalty minutes.

Since beginning his professional career in 2011-12 with the AHL’s Abbotsford Heat, the 6-foot-2, 192-pound blueliner has skated in 209 games with the Heat, Utah Grizzlies, Alaska Aces, Fort Wayne Komets, Lake Erie Monsters and Marlies, registering 78 points (16g-62a) and 167 penalty minutes. He also helped Alaska capture the Kelly Cup during the 2013-14 season along with former Solar Bears forward and current teammate with the Marlies Brett Findlay. Martin also represented Fort Wayne during the 2015 CCM / ECHL All-Star Classic in Orlando.

Prior to turning pro, the native of Winnipeg, Manitoba played major junior hockey from 2007-11 with the Swift Current Broncos and Kootenay Ice of the Western Hockey League, accumulating 52 points (19g-33a) and 138 penalty minutes in 189 games. Martin also helped Kootenay capture the WHL championship in 2010-11.

Bell, 23, had played in 33 games with the Solar Bears this season, logging five points (2g-3a) and 68 penalty minutes.

The Solar Bears continue their fourth season in the ECHL, presented by Auto Justice Attorney Michael T. Gibson, P.A., when they host the Indy Fuel on Saturday, Feb. 20 at 7:00 p.m. at the Amway Center.

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.