Popular forward enjoyed career year for Orlando last season
ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Solar Bears have agreed to terms with fan-favorite forward Austin Block for the 2017-18 season.
“Austin is a real competitor who brings a ton of energy to the ice every night,” Solar Bears head coach Drake Berehowsky said. “Outside the rink, he has been a pillar for us in the community and represents the organization well.”
Block, 27, scored a career-high 35 points (12g-23a) and added 34 penalty minutes in 51 regular season games in his first full season with Orlando. He did not appear in any playoff games for the Solar Bears due to injury. Block was also the recipient of the team’s Dan Snyder Memorial Award for his hard work and perseverance throughout the season.
In 74 career games with the Solar Bears, Block has posted totals of 42 points (14g-28a) and 44 penalty minutes since being acquired in a trade with the Manchester Monarchs on Feb 12, 2016.
“I couldn’t be more anxious and excited to be returning to Orlando,” Block said. “I have high hopes for the upcoming season and I can’t wait to once again play in front of the best fans in the league.”
The 5-foot-11, 185-pound forward has skated in 181 career pro games, and has accumulated 87 points (28g-59a) and 75 penalty minutes. He has played at the ECHL level with Orlando, Manchester and Bakersfield, and has also spent time overseas playing for teams in Finland, Slovakia and Sweden.
Prior to turning pro, the native of Denver, Colo. played collegiate hockey at the University of New Hampshire, where he posted 50 points (25g-25a) and 94 penalty minutes in 136 games for the Wildcats. Block also played two seasons of junior hockey with the Fairbanks Ice Dogs of the North American Hockey League, where he racked up 100 points (42g-58a) and 134 penalty minutes in 110 games and led the league in points with 76 in the 2008-09 campaign while being named the league’s top forward.
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.
Full Season Ticket Memberships for the 2017-18 season are on sale now. Purchase an Orlando Solar Bears Full Season Ticket Membership for as little as $440 today! Click here or call (407) 951-8200 for more information.
Officially licensed Orlando Solar Bears replica team jerseys, apparel, and headwear can be purchased online at orlandosolarbearshockey.com/shop.
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