Solar Bears add veteran forward Paul Crowder

Orlando's 2016-17 roster grows to four

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 veteran forward Paul Crowder for the 2016-17 season.

“Paul Crowder is a proven leader, scorer and winner as a professional,” Solar Bears head coach Anthony Noreen said. “He will add veteran experience and be a great addition to our locker room and performance on the ice.”

Crowder, 31, started last season with Amiens in France, where he racked up 30 points (10g-20a) and 43 penalty minutes in 24 games before joining the Fort Wayne Komets in February, where he added 24 points (5g-19a) and eight penalty minutes in 29 contests, while helping the Komets reach the Western Conference Finals in the playoffs.

“My family and I are very excited for me to have signed with the Orlando Solar Bears,” Crowder said. “I know they are a classy organization and are always competitive. I can’t wait to for the season to start and bring home the Kelly Cup.”

The 6-foot-3, 202-pound pivot has skated in 385 professional games with the Hartford Wolf Pack, Utah Grizzlies, Wheeling Nailers, Manchester Monarchs (AHL), Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, Milwaukee Admirals, Cincinnati Cyclones and Fort Wayne, accumulating 256 points (96g-160a) and 219 penalty minutes. In addition to his overseas totals from France, Crowder also suited up in six contests with Austria’s Orli Znojmo, recording one assist.

Prior to turning pro, the native of Victoria, British Columbia played collegiate hockey for the University of Alaska-Anchorage from 2006-09, posting 80 points (32g-48a) and 84 penalty minutes in 107 games for the Seawolves.

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, .