Jason DeSantis added to Solar Bears training camp roster

Blueliner brings nearly 400 games of pro experience

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Orlando Solar Bears have announced that the club has agreed to terms with defenseman Jason DeSantis for the 2016-17 season.

DeSantis, 30, joins the Solar Bears after spending the 2015-16 season playing for Klagenfurt AC of Austria’s Erste Bank Eishockey Liga, where he logged 24 points (8g-16a) and 51 penalty minutes in 47 games.

“Jason DeSantis is an experienced defenseman who skates well and excels at moving the puck,” Solar Bears head coach Anthony Noreen said. “He will be able to add offensive production along with a steady presence from our blueline.”

The 5-foot-11, 187-pound blueliner broke into the professional ranks in the 2007-08 campaign with the AHL’s Philadelphia Phantoms, and has since gone on to accumulate 173 points (42g-131a) and 259 penalty minutes in 399 games with the Phantoms, Liberec Bili Tygri HC (Czech Republic), Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, Wheeling Nailers, St. John’s IceCaps, San Antonio Rampage, Hamilton Bulldogs, HIFK Helsinki (Finland) and Klagenfurt.

“I’ve heard nothing but great things about the Solar Bears from top to bottom, which is what motivated me to sign here,” DeSantis said. “The team has great facilities, wonderful fan support and you can’t beat the Florida weather during hockey season.”

Prior to turning pro, the native of Oxford, Mich. played at Ohio State University, where he amassed 60 points (16g-44a) and 150 penalty minutes in 144 games for the Buckeyes.

DeSantis was also a member of the United States National Development Team from 2002-04, posting 11 points (5g-6a) and 46 penalty minutes in 53 games with the program, and also helped Team USA to a silver medal finish in the 2004 IIHF U18 World Championship.

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 ARS.com Rink at Amway Center. Single-game tickets are now on sale at the Amway Center box office and ticketmaster.com. Full and half-season ticket plans are now available by visiting OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.com.

The Orlando Solar Bears are the proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs and AHL’s Toronto Marlies, and play all of their home games at the ARS.com Rink at 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, .