April 4, 2016

SOLAR BEARS ANNOUNCE WINNERS AT FOURTH ANNUAL AWARDS SHOW

Players and Others Recognized at The Westin Lake Mary, Orlando North

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Solar Bears, proud affiliate of the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs and AHL’s Toronto Marlies, held their fourth annual Awards Show with Season Ticket Members on Sunday night at The Westin Lake Mary, Orlando North.

Defenseman and team captain Eric Baier was named Team MVP. In his third season with Orlando, Baier has set professional career highs in goals (10), assists (28) and points (38), while also becoming the team’s all-time games-played leader when he played in his 153rd game with the Solar Bears on Feb. 6 vs. Greenville. He has currently played in 176 regular season games for Orlando in his career.

Baier was also named the winner of the Rob Kenny Memorial Award received for his community service efforts in the Orlando and Central Florida communities. Baier received the award for the second time in his career, having also earned the distinction during the 2013-14 campaign.

Goaltender Rob Madore was recognized as the recipient of the Dan Snyder Memorial Award for his hard work and perseverance throughout the season. His 2,038 minutes played this season in 35 appearances have already set a new Solar Bears single-season record and he is just seven more saves away from surpassing the current single-season mark of 1,115 set by Garret Sparks during the 2014-15 season.

Defenseman Mark Louis was named the winner of the Auto Justice Attorney Michael T. Gibson, P.A. Crash of the Year. In 67 games played this season, Louis has recorded professional highs in all offensive categories with 10 points (3g-7a) while adding 143 penalty minutes, and recently set a new Solar Bears single-game record with 31 penalty minutes on Mar. 20 vs. Adirondack.

Goaltender Ryan Massa received the Luma on Park/Prato Star of the Year, recognizing the Solar Bears player with the most home Three Star Selections so far through the season. In 35 games played with Orlando during his rookie campaign, Massa has compiled a 19-11-2 record with a 2.90 goals-against average, a .915 save percentage and two shutouts.

Forward Johnny McInnis was named the winner of the Kevin L. Heller Senior Memorial Award as the team’s Unsung Hero. He is the only Solar Bears player this season to have played in all 68 games, recording 40 points (19g-21a) and 23 penalty minutes, along with a team-leading 192 shots on goal.

Forward Eric Faille received the Solar Bears Clutch Performer Award. In 53 games played with Orlando this season, Faille has recorded 56 points (23g-33a) and 10 penalty minutes and leads the team with a plus-minus of +14.

Players who scored their first professional regular season goals this season were honored and included:

Matt Rupert – Oct. 17 vs. GreenvilleT.J. Foster – Oct. 17 vs. GreenvilleJack Rodewald – Oct. 24 vs. NorfolkBrenden Miller – Feb. 12 vs. AtlantaBrian Christie – Mar. 19 vs. AdirondackChris Bradley – Oct. 20 vs. Adirondack 

Solar Bears Head Coach Anthony Noreen and Massa were also honored for their first professional wins on Oct. 17 vs Greenville and Oct. 24 vs. Norfolk, respectively.

Four Top Shelf Awards were handed out to those people who have shown a special dedication to helping the Solar Bears. This season’s Top Shelf Award winners are:

Alex Meissner – Solar Bears CreativeDavid Dominato – WKMG News 6Jackie Thompson – TicketmasterJamie Russell – Game Night Producer

The Solar Bears continue their fourth season in the ECHL, presented by Auto Justice Attorney Michael T. Gibson, P.A., when they host the Florida Everblades in a Wawa Sunshine Cup Series game on Tuesday, Apr. 5 at 7:00 p.m. at the Amway Center. The Solar Bears will wear their Old Time Hockey jerseys and following the conclusion of the game, the Solar Bears host their “Shirts off Players Backs” Ceremony. The Solar Bears will also formally present the Team MVP, Rob Kenny Memorial Award, Kevin L. Heller Sr. Memorial Award and the Solar Bears Clutch Performer Award.

Orlando faces Florida again on Fan Appreciation Night on Thursday, Apr. 7 at 7:00 p.m. The first 3,000 fans in attendance will receive a commemorative 2015-16 Team Picture, presented by Coors Light. Wawa will also distribute a coupon to the first 5,000 fans in attendance good for a free Sizzli breakfast sandwich, Classic Hoagie, Milkshake and Fountain drink, nearly a $15 value!

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.