Solar Bears agree to terms with Ryan Massa

Goaltender looks to build on strong rookie campaign with 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 goaltender Ryan Massa for the 2016-17 season.

“Ryan Massa is a true professional that does things the right way on and off the ice,” Solar Bears head coach Anthony Noreen said. “We feel he’s the type of goalie that gives you a chance to win every night.”

Massa, 25, appeared in 37 games for the Solar Bears last season, going 19-13-2 with a 2.91 goals-against average and .915 save percentage along with two shutouts for Orlando in his first season of professional hockey. His 37 games played tied with Rob Madore for the most appearances in a single season by a Solar Bears goalie, while his 19 wins and two shutouts were the most in a single season by a Solar Bears rookie netminder. Massa also picked up the win in his AHL debut with Toronto on Nov. 27 at Syracuse, stopping 16 of 17 shots he faced in a 3-1 Marlies victory over the Crunch.

“I’m extremely excited to have the opportunity to return for another season in Orlando,” Massa said. “I couldn’t think of a better place to play in the ECHL, and I look forward to seeing and hearing the fans at the Amway Center again this fall.”

Prior to turning pro, the 6-foot-0, 180-pound stopper played for the University of Nebraska-Omaha, where he compiled a 32-27-9 record, along with a 2.47 goals-against average, .917 save percentage and four shutouts in 75 games for the Mavericks. In his senior season, the native of Littleton, Colo. backstopped the program to its first appearance in the NCAA Frozen Four.

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, .