Solar Bears bring back Denver Manderson

Playmaking Forward Returns to Orlando for Third Season

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 Denver Manderson for the 2016-17 season.

“We’re excited to be bringing Denver back, as he can be one of our most productive players on and off the ice,” Solar Bears head coach Anthony Noreen said. “He possesses strong playmaking abilities, scoring touch and sets a tremendous example for his teammates.”

Manderson, 27, returns to the Solar Bears for his third campaign with the organization after recording 16 points (4g-12a) and eight penalty minutes in 25 games during the 2015-16 season. Manderson was previously the Solar Bears’ MVP during the 2014-15 season, in which he led the team with 18 goals. His 66 career points with Orlando rank sixth in team history.

“I have spent most of the past two seasons in Orlando, and I’ve loved playing in front of the great crowds at the Amway Center and living in this city,” Manderson said. “I think we have a very strong team shaping up for this season and I'm excited to be a part of it.”

In 213 professional games split between the Wheeling Nailers, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, Toronto Marlies and Solar Bears, the Fergus, Ontario native has compiled 149 points (53g-96a) and 84 penalty minutes. He also posted totals 33 points (17g-16a) and 30 penalty minutes with HeKi of Finland’s Mestis league in 2010-11.

Prior to turning pro, Manderson played Junior A hockey with the Penticton Vees of the British Columbia Hockey League, amassing 221 points (69g-152a) and 66 penalty minutes in 115 games, and helped the club capture the Fred Page Cup in 2007-08. He also played 21 games of major junior hockey with the Kitchener Rangers and Guelph Storm of the Ontario Hockey League, earning one goal and one assist along with 16 penalty minutes.

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, .