Rookie netminder backstopped RedHawks to 2015 NCHC title

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 goaltender Jay Williams for the 2016-17 season.

Williams, 23, completed a four-year collegiate career this past season with Miami University (Ohio), where he went 10-9-1 with a 2.58 goals-against average, a .903 save percentage and two shutouts. In 87 career games for the RedHawks, the 6-foot-2, 187-pound netminder posted a record of 46-29-4 with a 2.37 goals-against average, a .909 save percentage and nine shutouts. During the 2014-15 campaign, he helped backstop the program to a NCHC conference title. The McLean, Va. native also appeared at Washington Capitals development camp earlier this summer.

“Jay Williams won a lot of games over his collegiate career in a very tough conference,” Solar Bears head coach Anthony Noreen said. “He also possesses the competitive and character makeup we look for in a goalie.”

Prior to competing for Miami, Williams spent two seasons in the USHL with the Waterloo Black Hawks and Sioux Falls Stampede, where he compiled a 20-23-8 record in 52 appearances, along with a 3.21 goals-against average, a .894 save percentage and five shutouts. Williams was named a selection to the 2012 USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game.

“I am excited about the opportunity to play for the Solar Bears,” Williams said. “I am really looking forward to being a part of such a great organization, and playing in front of some of the best fans in the league.”

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, .