Former Solar Bears player Jack Rodewald makes NHL debut

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Solar Bears are proud to announce that former Solar Bears forward Jack Rodewald made his NHL debut on the night of Friday, Oct. 27, becoming the 627th player in ECHL history to advance to the NHL when he suited up for the Ottawa Senators against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center. Rodewald took 10 shifts for 8:01 of ice time in the Senators’ 5-4 shootout loss to New Jersey.

Rodewald, 23, is the fifth former member of the Solar Bears to reach the NHL after first developing with Orlando, joining Darcy Kuemper, Garret Sparks, Christopher Gibson and Mike Liambas; he is also the 20th player to have appeared in at least one game with both an NHL team and the Solar Bears in the course of their professional career. Rodewald was already off to a strong start this season as the leading goal-scorer for the Belleville Senators, Ottawa’s American Hockey League affiliate, with four points (3g-1a) in five games, and signed a two-year entry-level contract with the Senators on Tuesday, Oct. 24.

The Winnipeg, Manitoba native was assigned to Orlando during his first full professional season in 2015-16 while under an AHL contract with the Toronto Marlies. Rodewald suited up in 62 games for the Solar Bears, recording 47 points (18g-29a) and 44 penalty minutes.

The Orlando Solar Bears continue their 2017-18 home schedule when they face the Florid Everblades at the ARS.com Rink at Amway Center on Wednesday, Nov. 1 at 7 p.m.

Single-game tickets for the 2017-18 season are now on sale at the Amway Center box office and ticketmaster.com.

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.