February 2, 2016

SOLAR BEARS ADD DEFENSEMAN RORY RAWLYK

Orlando Signs Veteran Blueliner

Photo Credit: Scott Wiggins

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 signed veteran defenseman Rory Rawlyk.

Rawlyk, 32, joins the Solar Bears after posting totals of 20 points (6g-14a) and 36 penalty minutes in 34 games with the Coventry Blaze of the United Kingdom’s Elite Ice Hockey League during the 2014-15 season.

The 6-foot-5, 218-pound rearguard began his professional career during the 2003-04 season within the New York Rangers system playing for the Charlotte Checkers and Hartford Wolf Pack. In his career, Rawlyk has suited up in 36 combined AHL games with Hartford and the Binghamton Senators, and 272 games in the ECHL with Charlotte, the Cincinnati Cyclones, South Carolina Stingrays and Phoenix Roadrunners. He has 146 points (38g-108a) and 288 penalty minutes in 281 career North American pro games. Rawlyk has also spent several seasons overseas in various European leagues in Germany, Romania, Sweden and the U.K.

Prior to turning pro, the native of Edmonton, Alberta suited up for the Medicine Hat Tigers, Vancouver Giants, Prince Albert Raiders and Red Deer Rebels of the Western Hockey League from 2001-03, logging 48 points (16g-32a) and 126 penalty minute in 137 games.

The Solar Bears continue their fourth season in the ECHL, presented by Auto Justice Attorney Michael T. Gibson, P.A., when they host the Greenville Swamp Rabbits on Thursday, Feb. 4 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.