McInnis Back with Solar Bears for 2016-17

Team's "Unsung Hero" back for another season in Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Orlando Solar Bears, proud affiliate of the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs and AHL’s Toronto Marlies, have announced that the club has agreed to terms with forward Johnny McInnis for the 2016-17 season.

“Johnny McInnis is a heart-and-soul player that leaves everything out on the ice every night,” Solar Bears head coach Anthony Noreen said. “He’s a leader for us, extremely active in the community and he’s consistently productive on the ice.”

McInnis, 26, completed his second season with the Solar Bears in 2015-16, recording 41 points (19g-22a) and 27 penalty minutes in 72 games, and was the only Solar Bears player to suit up in every single regular season contest for Orlando. His 19 goals were a career-high, and he also led Orlando with 197 shots on goal while serving as an alternate captain.

For his efforts in the regular season, McInnis was the recipient of the Kevin L. Heller Sr. Memorial Award, given to the team’s “Unsung Hero.” The forward is sixth all-time in games played with Orlando with 106 and his 64 career points with the Solar Bears (27g-37a) are tied for seventh in team history.

“I am very excited to have the opportunity to pull the Solar Bears jersey over my head for another season,” McInnis said. “I have come to love the Central Florida community and can’t wait to get back in the fall. I’d like to thank the Solar Bears organization for having me back, and I’m looking forward to getting back to work and playing in front of the best fans in the league.”

A native of Boston, Mass., McInnis was originally acquired by Orlando from the Florida Everblades in the middle of his rookie season on Jan. 28, 2015 in exchange for Gleason Fournier. In 136 games of professional hockey with Orlando, Florida and Lake Erie the 6-foot-2, 203-pound winger has posted 88 points (35g-53a) and 43 penalty minutes.

Prior to turning pro, McInnis played collegiate hockey at Minnesota State University, Mankato, from 2010-14, where he logged 79 points (43g-36a) and 22 penalty minutes in 133 games with the Mavericks and helped the program capture a WCHA title in his senior season.

Fans can keep track of all Solar Bears offseason player movement by visiting the 2016 Offseason Headquarters.

The Solar Bears drop the puck on their fifth season of ECHL hockey on Saturday, Oct. 22 against the Florida Everblades at the Amway Center. On-sale dates for the purchase of single-game tickets will be announced later this summer. Full and half-season ticket plans are now available by visiting OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.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 SolarBearsHockey.

Season tickets, Corporate Flex vouchers, and Group tickets are a great way to entertain employees, co-workers, clients, friends and family. For more information on all of the Solar Bears ticket packages, 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, .