Todd Skirving joins Solar Bears

Rookie forward was among NCAA leaders in faceoffs with R.I.T.

Photo credit: R.I.T. Athletics

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

“We feel Todd will be able to jump right into our lineup and contribute right away,” Solar Bears head coach Drake Berehowsky said. “He plays a smart, two-way game which we value, and he brings a strong work ethic.”

Skirving, 25, completed a four-year college career with the Rochester Institute of Technology in 2016-17, logging three points (1g-2a) and six penalty minutes in 17 games before an injury cut his season short. The 6-foot-2, 185-pound forward led his team in the faceoff dot with a .613 win percentage (111 faceoffs won on 181 draws), a figure that was the best in the Atlantic Hockey conference and fifth-best in all of Division I hockey.

Skirving amassed 51 points (19g-32a) and 56 penalty minutes in 127 career games with the Tigers, and helped the program capture back-to-back Atlantic Hockey playoff titles in 2015 and 2016. In 2015, Skirving and the Tigers knocked off Minnesota State in the first round of the NCAA tournament, becoming the first #16 seed to defeat the top overall seed since the 16-team format was introduced in 2003.

“I decided to continue my playing career with the Solar Bears because of the opportunity I’d have to build as a player on and off the ice for a first-class organization and coaching staff,” Skirving said. “I’m excited to wear the Solar Bears uniform and cannot wait to get down to Orlando and do whatever possible to help the team take that next step forward with the end goal of capturing the Kelly Cup.”

Prior to skating for R.I.T., the Thunder Bay, Ontario native also played two seasons of junior hockey with the Sioux Falls Stampede of the United States Hockey League. Skirving captained the Stampede in 2012-13 and concluded his USHL career with 70 points (40g-30a) and 59 penalty minutes in 114 games.

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.