Solar Bears receive Conacher from Marlies, Brouillard recalled

Orlando trades Williams to Tulsa

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Solar Bears have announced that rookie forward Shane Conacher has been assigned to the club by the Toronto Marlies, Orlando’s American Hockey League affiliate, while rookie defenseman Nikolas Brouillard has been recalled to Toronto. Additionally, the team has traded goaltender Jay Williams to the Tulsa Oilers in exchange for future considerations.

Conacher, 22, will begin his first full season of professional hockey after he recorded two goals and an assist in seven games with the Marlies at the conclusion of the 2015-16 campaign.

Prior to turning pro, the 5-foot-11, 177-pound forward played three seasons of collegiate hockey for Canisius College, where he was coached by former IHL Solar Bears player Dave Smith and played at a near point-per-game pace, logging 106 points (37g-69a) and 40 penalty minutes in 108 games for the Golden Griffins. Conacher was also a teammate of current Solar Bears defenseman Ben Danford during the 2013-14 season.

The Burlington, Ontario native is also the younger brother of NHL veteran Cory Conacher, who has played part of this season with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Brouillard, 21, earns his first recall to the AHL this season after leading Orlando’s defensemen in scoring with 21 points (7g-14a) and 60 penalty minutes in 37 games. His seven goals are the most by any rookie defenseman in the Eastern Conference this season.

Williams, 23, had a 1-2-1 record in six combined appearances with Orlando and Atlanta this season, along with a 3.56 goals-against average and a .907 save percentage.

The Orlando Solar Bears continue their fifth season of ECHL hockey when they host the back-to-back defending Kelly Cup champion Allen Americans at the ARS.com Rink at Amway Center on Thursday, Jan. 26 at 7 p.m.

Thursday’s game is also a Thirsty Thursday, presented by Ferg’s Depot on Church Street – fans can take advantage of $2 Coors Light drafts before and after Thursday’s game, along with food specials at Ferg’s Depot on Church Street. Fans can purchase discounted game tickets for as low as $14 at orlandosolarbearshockey.com/fergs. If Orlando scores the first goal of the game, fans can bring their tickets to Ferg’s after the game to receive a free special Solar Bears appetizer with the purchase of a beverage.

During Thursday’s game, fans can also enjoy $5 domestic draft beers throughout the 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 Solar Bears have released a brand-new mobile app, presented by BB&T, giving Solar Bears fans everything they need right in their pocket. The app is also home to the brand-new Loyalty & Rewards Program, which provides Solar Bears fans with opportunities to accumulate points and redeem them for exclusive prizes. The new app is FREE and available for both iOS and Android devices.

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.