Solar Bears add goal scorer Joe Perry

Third-year pro split last season with Alaska and Fort Wayne

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 Joe Perry for the 2016-17 season.

“Adding a player like Joe Perry gives us another proven scorer at this level,” Solar Bears head coach Anthony Noreen said. “He’s a hard-nosed, honest player who will also add to our team’s character.”

Perry, 27, split the 2015-16 season with the Alaska Aces and Fort Wayne Komets, finishing the season with totals of 26 points (13g-13a) and 13 penalty minutes in 44 games. While in Fort Wayne, Perry was teammates with current Solar Bears players Paul Crowder and Brock Montgomery.

“I couldn’t be more excited to be joining the Solar Bears,” Perry said. “After speaking with current and former players and the current coaching staff, I am convinced that Orlando has exactly what I am looking for as a hockey program, both on and off the ice.”

In 104 professional games, the 6-foot-2, 215-pound forward has racked up 70 points (39g-31a) and 77 penalty minutes with the Quad City Mallards, Iowa Wild, Alaska and Fort Wayne.

Prior to turning pro, Perry capped a four-year collegiate career in 2013-14 with Division III powerhouse St. Norbert College, leading the program to the NCAA championship in his senior season, adding to the national titles won in his freshman and sophomore seasons. The Nanaimo, British Columbia native led the nation that season with 24 goals, finishing his time with the Green Knights by accumulating 106 points (50g-56a) and 91 penalty minutes in 115 career 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, .