Solar Bears add three players from Toronto

Maple Leafs goaltending prospect Kasimir Kaskisuo and defenseman Nikolas Brouillard assigned to Solar Bears from Marlies, while Adam Brace returns from PTO

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Solar Bears have announced that the club has been assigned rookie goaltender Kasimir Kaskisuo and first-year defenseman Nikolas Brouillard from the team’s American Hockey League affiliate, the Toronto Marlies. Orlando has also added forward Adam Brace and placed him on reserve.

Kaskisuo (kas-AH-mear kass-KA-suo), 23, joins the Solar Bears as he begins his first full season of professional hockey after making his pro debut in a two-game stint with the Marlies last spring. In two appearances, Kaskisuo went 1-0-1 with a 2.40 goals-against average and .906 save percentage. He has yet to play a game for Toronto this season.

The native of Vantaa, Finland agreed to a two-year entry level contract with Orlando’s NHL affiliate, the Toronto Maple Leafs, on March 28.

Prior to turning pro, the 6-foot-3, 195-pound puck-stopper completed a two-year collegiate career with the University of Minnesota-Duluth, where he appeared in 39 games during the 2015-16 season, posting a record of 19-15-5 along with a .923 save percentage and a 1.92 goals-against average. As a freshman with the Bulldogs program in 2014-15, he played in 36 regular season games, amassing a record of 18-14-3, a .917 save percentage and a 2.30 goals-against average. While at Minnesota-Duluth, Kaskisuo was teammates with current Solar Bears forward Tony Cameranesi and defenseman Willie Corrin.

Brouillard (bru-eil-ard), 21, has yet to play a game in his rookie season after splitting the 2015-16 campaign with the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League’s Quebec Remparts and Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, posting totals of 59 points (17g-42a) and 63 penalty minutes in 54 games, while helping the Huskies capture a QMJHL championship and earn an appearance in the Memorial Cup. The 5-foot-11, 173-pound blueliner agreed to an American Hockey League contract with the Marlies on June 7.

Over the past two seasons, Brouillard was arguably one of the top offensive-minded defensemen in the junior circuit, as he led the QMJHL in goals by a defenseman in both campaigns, and finished his major junior career with 259 points (62g-197a) and 322 penalty minutes in 312 games with Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec and the Drummondville Voltigeurs.

Brace, 28, previously agreed to terms with the Solar Bears earlier in the offseason had been attending training camp with the Toronto Marlies.

The 5-foot-10, 186-pound forward has played 136 games of North American professional hockey, having logged 120 points (53g-67a) and 60 penalty minutes with the Florida Everblades, Charlotte Checkers, Cincinnati Cyclones, Bridgeport Sound Tigers and Stockton Thunder. He was also named to All-ECHL Second Team during the 2014-15 campaign while with Florida.

Additionally, the Solar Bears have activated defenseman Willie Corrin from reserve and released goalie Jay Williams.

The Orlando 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. Opening Night is Orlando United Night, presented by Auto Justice Attorney Michael T. Gibson, P.A. 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 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 orlandosolarbearshockey.com/groups.

Officially licensed Orlando Solar Bears replica team jerseys, apparel, and headwear can be purchased online at store.orlandosolarbearshockey.com.