Solar Bears Agree to Terms with Defenseman Trevor Ludwig

Orlando adds veteran leadership and championship experience

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 Trevor Ludwig for the 2016-17 season.

“Trevor Ludwig will bring an invaluable amount of leadership, ability and experience to Orlando,” Solar Bears head coach Anthony Noreen said. “His track record speaks for itself and he is the exact type of person we want wearing a Solar Bears jersey.”

Ludwig, 31, joins the Solar Bears after serving as the captain of the Brabham Cup-winning Missouri Mavericks in 2015-16. Ludwig recorded 29 points (4g-25a) and 62 penalty minutes in 65 games for Missouri while leading the team to the ECHL’s best regular season record.

Ludwig also brings championship success to the Solar Bears as well, as he was part of the Allen Americans’ Kelly Cup-winning squad in 2014-15, and picked up back-to-back Ray Miron President’s Cups from 2013-14 while the Americans were in the Central Hockey League. He has also played in the Calder Cup Finals, as he was a member of the Texas Stars squad in 2009-10 that reached the final round of the AHL postseason before bowing out to the Hershey Bears.

“My family and I are excited for next season. We are going to a great area and community with a first-class organization,” Ludwig said. “We have a great coaching staff that is dedicated to winning. I have high expectations for next season and can’t wait to get started.”

In 430 career pro games spread across the AHL, ECHL and CHL, the 6-foot-1, 210-pound rearguard has racked up 121 points (31g-90a) and 434 penalty minutes while playing for the Iowa Stars, Manitoba Moose, Idaho Steelheads, Texas Stars, Norfolk Admirals (AHL), Allen, Syracuse Crunch, Houston Aeros and Missouri.

Prior to turning pro, Ludwig played collegiate hockey for Providence College from 2004-08. In 115 games with the Friars, the native of Rhineland, Wis. posted 15 points (2g-13a) and 107 penalty minutes. During the 2007-08 season, he was teammates with current Solar Bears defenseman Eric Baier.

Ludwig’s hockey bloodlines run deep: his twin brother Tyler enjoyed a similarly successful career before retiring at the conclusion of the 2014-15 season, and Trevor played alongside younger brother C.J. last season in Missouri. Ludwig’s father Craig played 1,256 games in the NHL and captured the Stanley Cup with Montreal in 1985-86 and Dallas in 1998-99, and currently serves as an analyst on Dallas Stars television broadcasts.

Ludwig was originally selected by the Dallas Stars in the sixth round (183rd overall) of the 2004 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, .