Defenseman Chris Bradley joins Solar Bears for first full season

Rookie blueliner played 12 games for Orlando in 2015-16

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 rookie defenseman Chris Bradley for the 2016-17 season.

Bradley, 23, joined the Solar Bears on an amateur try-out agreement on March 16, before signing a standard player contract on March 25. In 12 games with the Solar Bears, Bradley picked up one goal and two assists, and his plus-minus rating of +6 over that span led the team.

“I was very impressed with Chris’ effort once he joined our team in the spring,” Solar Bears head coach Anthony Noreen said. “We gave him heavy minutes and he thrived in that role as a responsible, puck-moving defenseman. I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do in his first full season of pro hockey.”

Prior to turning pro, the 6-foot-2, 205-pound blueliner played college hockey for Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where Bradley completed his senior season with eight points (2g-6a) and four penalty minutes in 40 games. His 98 blocked shots led the ECAC and were the fourth highest in the nation. Over his entire collegiate career, Bradley racked up 35 points (9g-26a) and 22 penalty minutes in 145 games for the Engineers.

“I’m thrilled and honored to have signed back with Orlando,” Bradley said. “To play in an organization and community that cares so much about its players is special. I’m grateful for this opportunity and I am looking forward to a fun and successful season.”

The Williamsville, N.Y. native also played junior hockey for the Youngstown Phantoms of the United States Hockey League, where Noreen served as head coach during Bradley's final season in 2011-12. In two seasons with the Phantoms, Bradley posted 33 points (10g-23a) and 20 penalty minutes in 113 games.

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, .