Defenseman Eric Baier to lace skates up again for Solar Bears

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Solar Bears have announced that veteran defenseman Eric Baier has agreed to terms with the club on an ECHL Standard Player Contract for the remainder of the 2017-18 season.

Baier, 29, rejoins the Solar Bears for a franchise-record fifth season on the blue line, where from 2013-17, he skated in a club-record 233 games, producing 111 points (33g-78a) and 73 penalty minutes. During the 2017 offseason, Baier accepted a head coaching position with the Central Florida Hockey Club.

“As we deal with changes to our lineup, we’re happy to welcome Eric back,” Solar Bears head coach and general manager Drake Berehowsky said. “We expect him to be an asset to us over these final weeks of the season.”

A veteran of 397 combined games at the AHL and ECHL levels, Baier has generated 147 points (42g-105a) and 111 penalty minutes in six full seasons of professional hockey. In his previous time with Orlando, Baier set club records for career goals, assists and points scored by a defenseman. Baier served as team captain in three of his four seasons and was named team MVP during the 2015-16 season. He was also a three-time recipient of the Rob Kenny Memorial Award for outstanding community service.

In a separate transaction, veteran forward Darryl Bootland has been placed on waivers. Bootland, 36, recorded eight points (3g-5a) and 95 penalty minutes in 21 games with Orlando. Additionally, defenseman Aleksandr Mikulovich has been placed on Injured Reserve.

The Solar Bears return home to face the Florida Everblades on Thursday, March 15 in a Wawa Sunshine Cup Series game at the ARS.com Rink at Amway Center at 7 p.m. Thursday’s game is also a Thirsty Thursday, presented by Coors Light – fans can take advantage of $5 domestic draft beers during the game. Single-game tickets for the 2017-18 season are now on sale at the Amway Center box office and ticketmaster.com.

About the Orlando Solar Bears:

The Orlando Solar Bears are in their sixth season of operation in the ECHL, the premier “AA” hockey league in North America, and are the proud affiliate of the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs and the AHL’s Toronto Marlies. The Solar Bears are owned and operated by the Orlando Magic and the DeVos Family, and play at the ARS.com Rink at Amway Center, the 2012 Street and Smith’s Sports Business Journal Sports Facility of the Year.

Fiesta Four Packs, presented by CenturyLink, are now available for purchase! Pick four games and get gift certificates to Sonny’s BBQ, Dick’s Sporting Goods, QDOBA Mexican Eats and a FREE center ice ticket to the our Noche Latina game, presented by Auto Justice Attorney Michael T. Gibson on Friday, March 23! Packs start as low as $64 and include $68 in FREE gifts! Click here or call (407) 951-8200 for more information.

Officially licensed Orlando Solar Bears replica team jerseys, apparel, and headwear can be purchased at orlandosolarbearshockey.com/shop.