Sam Jardine joins Solar Bears roster

Third-year defenseman captured 2017 Kelly Cup with Colorado

Photo credit: Standout Imagery

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Solar Bears have agreed to terms with defenseman Sam Jardine for the 2017-18 season.

“Sam is a defenseman who wants the puck,” Solar Bears head coach Drake Berehowsky said. “He’s someone who isn’t afraid to join the rush, and he possesses good instincts.”

Jardine (jar-DEEN), 24, joins Orlando after helping the Colorado Eagles capture the 2017 Kelly Cup championship. The blueliner recorded 15 points (4g-11a) and 46 penalty minutes in 36 regular season games with Colorado, and skated in three postseason contests. Jardine was teammates with current Solar Bears defenseman Sean Zimmerman while with the Eagles.

Jardine also saw time in the American Hockey league with the San Antonio Rampage, skating in 27 games while recording five points (3g-2a) and 48 penalty minutes.

The 6-foot-1, 205-pound defenseman made his pro debut during the 2015-16 season, skating in 50 games with the Indy Fuel, where he notched five points (2g-3a) and 24 penalty minutes. He also suited up in six AHL games with the Rockford IceHogs, where he accrued seven penalty minutes.

“I’m very excited to sign with the Solar Bears and make Orlando my home for the hockey season,” Jardine said. “The decision to sign here was easy when you combine this organization’s commitment to winning along with living in such a beautiful city. I can’t wait to the season to start and do my part to help this team win a championship.”

Prior to turning pro, the native of Lacombe, Alberta patrolled the blue line at Ohio State University, where he skated in 97 games with the Buckeyes, recording 32 points (3g-29a) and 118 penalty minutes. During his freshman season of 2012-13, Jardine was also a teammate of current Solar Bears forward Chris Crane.

Jardine was a sixth-round selection (#169 overall) of the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2011 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.