Solar Bears add former Ohio State Buckeye Matt Johnson

Forward played in Sweden 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 forward Matt Johnson for the 2016-17 season.

Johnson, 25, spent last season with Kallinge-Ronneby IF of Sweden’s Hockeyettan, posting 16 points (7g-9a) and 10 penalty minutes in 34 games while serving as an alternate captain.

“Matt Johnson brings speed and physicality to our lineup,” Solar Bears head coach Anthony Noreen said. “He’s got a great work ethic and has been a leader on every team he’s played for.”

Prior to turning pro, the 5-foot-10, 205-pound forward played collegiate hockey from 2012-15 for Ohio State University, where he played in 129 games for the Buckeyes, accumulating 43 points (26g-17a) and 79 penalty minutes. Johnson also served as an alternate captain during his senior season.

“I joined the Solar Bears because Coach Noreen is the type of coach who wants to win and make his players better,” Johnson said. “The professional atmosphere was what really attracted me here, and I couldn’t be more excited for the upcoming season.”

The native of Stillwater, Minn. also played junior hockey for the Waterloo Black Hawks and Tri-City Storm of the USHL, amassing 43 points (20g-23a) and 162 penalty minutes in 151 games. During his two seasons with the Storm, Johnson also held an alternate captain role.

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. Single-game tickets go on sale on Wednesday, Sept. 21 at 10 a.m. 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, 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, .