Solar Bears make coaching change

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Solar Bears announced today that Anthony Noreen has been relieved of his duties as the team’s head coach. The team has named former head coach Drake Berehowsky as his replacement. Assistant coach John Snowden will remain with the Solar Bears in the same capacity.

“It is always an extremely difficult decision to part ways with a head coach. We want to thank Anthony for his service to the team, which he always approached with energy and passion, and we wish him success in his future endeavors,” Solar Bears Chairman & CEO Joe Haleski said. “At the same time, we are extremely excited to welcome Drake back as the new head coach of the Solar Bears.”

Berehowsky, 44, returns to the Solar Bears for his second stint as the team’s head coach. Berehowsky guided Orlando during its Out of Hibernation season in 2012-13, highlighted by a 20-11-1-4 record on home ice. The native of Toronto, Ontario had been the associate coach of the Ontario Hockey League’s Sudbury Wolves since 2015 and from 2013-15 he had been the head coach of the Western Hockey League’s Lethbridge Hurricanes.

“I’m excited to be returning to Orlando,” Berehowsky said. “The season is still very young, and I see a lot of potential with the roster that has been assembled.”

Prior to his first stint with Orlando, Berehowsky was the assistant coach of the American Hockey League’s Peoria Rivermen from 2009-12.

Berehowsky enjoyed a 549-game career in the NHL from 1990-2004 with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Pittsburgh Penguins, Edmonton Oilers, Nashville Predators, Vancouver Canucks and Phoenix Coyotes. Known for his rugged play as a defenseman, Berehowsky amassed 149 points (37g-112a) and 848 penalty minutes in the NHL. Berehowsky was a first-round selection of the Maple Leafs (#10 overall) in the 1990 NHL Entry Draft.

The Solar Bears continue their fifth season of ECHL hockey when they host the Greenville Swamp Rabbits in the team’s first-ever School Day Game, presented by Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, on Thursday, Nov. 17 at 10:30 a.m. 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 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 orlandosolarbearshockey.com/shop.