Hackett suspended by Solar Bears

Goalie leaves team to pursue opportunities outside of ECHL

Photo credit: Gary Lloyd McCullough

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Solar Bears have announced that the team has placed goaltender Matt Hackett on suspension, following Hackett’s departure from Orlando to pursue opportunities outside of the ECHL.

Hackett, 27, made his lone appearance for the Solar Bears on Oct. 14 at Jacksonville, where he played 24 minutes in a relief appearance and recorded nine saves on 11 shots against in an eventual 5-4 overtime win for Orlando over the Icemen.

The Solar Bears currently have goaltender Cal Heeter on the team’s roster. Heeter is assigned to Orlando from the Toronto Marlies, and started Orlando’s season-opener on Oct. 14 at Jacksonville, making 24 saves on 26 shots against in 40 minutes of action before he was replaced by Hackett.

The Solar Bears return to the ARS.com Rink at Amway Center to open their home schedule on Saturday, Oct. 28 vs. the Atlanta Gladiators at 7 p.m.

Fans can purchase BOGO tickets for Opening Weekend, presented by Coors Light, and get tickets for both Saturday, Oct. 28 and Sunday, Oct. 29 vs. Atlanta. Fans can take advantage of this special offer by visiting orlandosolarbearshockey.com/coors. 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.