Second-year pro Kyle Rankin joins Solar Bears

Forward played rookie season with Elmira Jackals

Photo credit: Rick Bacmanski PhotoArtistry

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Solar Bears have agreed to terms with forward Kyle Rankin for the 2017-18 season.

“Kyle was considered one of the leaders in the locker room on his team in Elmira last season, even as a first-year pro,” Solar Bears head coach Drake Berehowsky said. “He likes to feed the puck to his teammates and does a lot of the detailed things the right way.”

Rankin, 24, joins Orlando after completing his first full season of professional hockey in 2016-17, in which he skated for the now-defunct Elmira Jackals, recording 23 points (6g-17a) and 61 penalty minutes in 68 games, and served as one of the team’s alternate captains.

Rankin also suited up with the Brampton Beast for six games at the conclusion of the 2015-16 season.

“I am extremely excited to be joining the Solar Bears this season,” Rankin said. “Orlando has consistently excelled both on and off the ice, and I am thrilled to be a part of the culture the team has developed. I can’t wait to get to work with my teammates and the coaching staff in the fall and meet the great fans in Orlando!”

Prior to turning pro, the native of Kanata, Ontario played four seasons of collegiate hockey with Princeton University. In 117 games with the Tigers, Rankin tallied 31 points (10g-21a) and 44 penalty minutes. During his senior season, he served as team co-captain.

Rankin also played one season of junior hockey with the United States Hockey League’s Sioux Falls Stampede in 2011-12, where he was a teammate of current Solar Bears forward Todd Skirving. Rankin tallied 34 points (16g-18a) and 48 penalty minutes with Sioux Falls.

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.