Solar Bears add veteran defenseman Mike Monfredo

Orlando gains toughness on blue line

Photo credit: Sean Flynn Photography/Quad City Mallards

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Solar Bears have announced that the club has agreed to terms with veteran defenseman Mike Monfredo for the 2017-18 season.

“Mike will bring size and a physical presence to our blue line this season,” Solar Bears head coach Drake Berehowsky said. “He’s a player who will stick up for his teammates and will be a leader in our locker room.”

Monfredo, 27, joins the Solar Bears after splitting last season with the Quad City Mallards and Rapid City Rush, logging 27 points (5g-22a) and 91 penalty minutes in 65 combined games.

“I’ve heard nothing but good things about the Solar Bears organization and the fans,” Monfredo said. “When I talked to the coaching staff, I loved what they had to say about the team and the direction it is headed.”

The 6-foot-3, 210-pound bruiser has accrued 144 points (31g-113a) and 509 penalty minutes in 339 career games. Prior to his trade to Rapid City on Feb. 6, Monfredo had played his entire professional career with the Mallards.

Prior to turning pro, the native of Shirley, N.Y. played one season (2011-12) of NCAA Division III hockey for SUNY-Fredonia, where he tallied eight points (3g-5a) and 22 penalty minutes in 26 games for the Blue Devils.

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.