Chris Crane returns to Solar Bears for 2017-18

High-scoring forward gears up for first full campaign with Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Solar Bears have announced that the club has agreed to terms with high-scoring forward Chris Crane for the 2017-18 season.

“Chris is a great two-way center who played in all situations for us after we traded for him last season,” Solar Bears head coach Drake Berehowsky said. “He’s someone who we count on in the face-off circle and to be a presence on the ice.”

Crane, 25, recorded 35 points (15g-20a) and 43 penalty minutes in 46 games for the Solar Bears after he was acquired from the Allen Americans on November 18 in exchange for Bryan Moore and the rights to Rylan Schwartz. Crane finished the regular season with 44 points (18g-26a) and 51 penalty minutes in 60 games. In the Kelly Cup Playoffs, Crane was at his most productive, racking up nine points (2g-7a) and 16 penalty minutes in seven games; his seven assists led the Solar Bears in the postseason.

“Last season was an overall great experience from the moment that I arrived. From the guys in the room, to the coaching staff and management, it was one of my favorite years of playing pro hockey,” Crane said. “I want this team to finish what it started last season and be able to bring home a Kelly Cup.”

The native of West Chester Township, Ohio has played in 208 ECHL games with San Francisco, Ontario, Missouri, Allen and Orlando, totaling 128 points (63g-65a) and 199 penalty minutes. The 6-foot-1, 193-pound forward is also a two-time Kelly Cup champion, having been a part of Allen’s title squads in 2015 and 2016. Additionally, Crane has suited up in 32 American Hockey League games with Worcester and San Jose, logging nine points (1g-8a) and 19 penalty minutes.

Prior to turning pro, Crane played collegiate hockey for Ohio State University, where he scored 43 points (24g-19a) and added 136 penalty minutes in 110 games for the Buckeyes. He also won a USHL Clark Cup championship with the Green Bay Gamblers in 2009-10, and put up 48 points (25g-23a) and 227 penalty minutes in 100 career USHL games.

Crane was a seventh-round selection (#200 overall) of the San Jose Sharks in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

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.