Solar Bears agree to terms with defenseman Taylor Doherty

Veteran blueliner adds toughness to 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 veteran defenseman Taylor Doherty for the 2016-17 season.

“Taylor Doherty is a solid two-way defenseman that will bring size, experience and leadership with him to Orlando,” Solar Bears head coach Anthony Noreen said. “He has elite character and will be hard to play against for our opponents every night.”

Doherty, 25, was originally acquired by the Solar Bears during the 2015-16 season on March 9 from the Rapid City Rush, where he had logged 24 points (8g-16a) and 32 penalty minutes in 56 games. That same day he also signed a Professional Try-Out Agreement with the Toronto Marlies, where he spent the remainder of the season, notching three assists and 20 penalty minutes in 12 games.

“Coming into the Toronto system near the end of last season was a big reason for me choosing to join the Solar Bears,” Doherty said. “Being in Orlando is the perfect opportunity for me to continue my development as a hockey player. I’m extremely excited to play here and do what I can to help the team.”

In 302 career professional games with the Worcester Sharks (AHL), Rapid City and Toronto, the 6-foot-7, 235-pound blueliner has posted 65 points (15g-40a) and 399 penalty minutes.

Prior to turning pro, the Cambridge, Ontario, native spent his major junior career with the OHL’s Kingston Frontenacs, where he registered totals 137 points (38g-99a) and 458 penalty minutes in 263 games.

Doherty was originally selected by the San Jose Sharks in the second round (57th overall) of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.

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, .