Rugged forward Kenton Helgesen joins Solar Bears

Third-year pro brings size, edge to Orlando

Photo credit: Whiteshark Photography

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Solar Bears have agreed to terms with left wing Kenton Helgesen for the 2017-18 season.

“Kenton has size and plays with some bite to his game,” Solar Bears head coach Drake Berehowsky said. “He’s played as a forward and a defenseman in his career, and we like that versatility.”

Helgesen (HEHL-geh-suhn), 23, joins the Solar Bears for his third season of pro hockey after splitting the 2016-17 season with the Utah Grizzlies and Indy Fuel. In 50 total games, Helgesen logged 23 points (4g-19a) and 19 penalty minutes.

The 6-foot-3, 200-pound winger was under contract with the NHL’s Anaheim Ducks before he was traded along with Anaheim’s seventh round pick in the 2019 NHL Draft to the Chicago Blackhawks on March 1 in exchange for Spencer Abbott and Sam Carrick.

In 81 career pro matches, Helgesen has posted 28 points (6g-22a) and 60 penalty minutes.

“I’m extremely excited to be joining an organization with an amazing reputation,” Helgesen said. “I’ve heard nothing but great things about Orlando and I’m grateful for the opportunity.”

Prior to turning pro, the native of Fairview, Alberta played four seasons of major junior hockey for the Calgary Hitmen of the Western Hockey League. Helgesen recorded 130 points (34g-96a) and 297 penalty minutes. He also served as Calgary’s captain during his final season in 2014-15.

Helgesen was a seventh-round selection (#187) by Anaheim in the 2012 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.