Austin Block returns to Solar Bears

Mid-season acquisition for Orlando back for first full campaign in 2016-17

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 Austin Block for the 2016-17 season.

“Austin brings a high level of energy to our team, and he possesses tremendous character,” Solar Bears head coach Anthony Noreen said. “Having someone who competes as hard as he does sets a great example for the rest of our group.”

Block, 26, was acquired by Orlando from the Manchester Monarchs on Feb. 12. In 23 games with the Solar Bears, Block posted seven points (2g-5a) and 10 penalty minutes and finished the season with 19 points (5g-14a) and 37 penalty minutes in 63 games.

“My time in Orlando last season was everything I could have hoped for and more after I was traded here,” Block said. “I quickly found out how supportive and dedicated our fans were. I hope all the fans are ready for the new season to begin because I certainly know I am.”

The 5-foot-11, 185-pound forward began his professional career in 2013-14 with Finnish clubs HIFK Helsinki and Kerava HCK, before finishing the season in Sweden with Karlskrona HK. He then split the 2014-15 campaign with Slovakia’s HC Banska Bystrica and the ECHL’s Bakersfield Condors. In 130 career pro games, Block has posted 52 points (16g-36a) and 61 penalty minutes.

Prior to turning pro, the native of Denver, Colo. played collegiate hockey at the University of New Hampshire, where he posted 50 points (25g-25a) and 94 penalty minutes in 136 games for the Wildcats. Block also played two seasons of junior hockey with the Fairbanks Ice Dogs of the North American Hockey League, where he racked up 100 points (42g-58a) and 134 penalty minutes in 110 games and led the league in points with 76 in the 2008-09 campaign while being named the league’s top forward.

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, .