Solar Bears ink defenseman Rob Mann

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Solar Bears have agreed to terms with defenseman Rob Mann for the 2018-19 season.

Last season, the 6-foot-4, 223-pound blueliner generated eight points (1g-7a) and 18 penalty minutes in 49 games with the Grizzlies. Mann also appeared in two games for Utah at the conclusion of the 2016-17 campaign, picking up one assist.

“With Rob, we’ve been able to sign a defenseman who we can count on to play big minutes and match up against other teams’ skilled forwards,” Solar Bears head coach and general manager Drake Berehowsky said. “He plays a disciplined, positional game that will help strengthen our blue line.”

Orlando originally acquired the rights to Mann, 25, from the Utah Grizzlies on June 13 to complete the future considerations portion of the Jan. 29 transaction that sent forward Todd Skirving to Utah.

“I’m really looking forward to the opportunity this season in Orlando,” Mann said. “I’ve heard nothing but great things about the organization, the fans and the city itself. I couldn’t be happier to be a part of the Solar Bears, and I can’t wait for October.”

Prior to turning pro, the native of Oshawa, Ontario played four seasons of college hockey at Robert Morris University, where he skated in 117 career games for the Colonials program, generating 21 points (6g-15a) and 76 penalty minutes. During his time in Pittsburgh, Mann was consistently one of Robert Morris’ most effective defensive players, leading the team in blocked shots in both 2015-16 (94) and 2016-17 (83) while also ranking among the top shot-blockers in the nation in both seasons. As a senior, Mann also served as team captain.

2018-19 Offseason Headquarters:

Keep up with league deadlines and player signings throughout the summer with our 2018-19 Offseason Headquarters. Use this page to stay informed on all of the latest news regarding departing, returning and new players to join the Solar Bears for the upcoming season!

2018-19 Season Ticket Memberships:

Season Ticket Memberships for the seventh season of ECHL Orlando Solar Bears hockey are now on sale. Full and Half-Season memberships are both available, starting as low as $270. For more information, call (407) 951-8200 or visit orlandosolarbearshockey.com.

About the Orlando Solar Bears:

The puck drops on Saturday, Oct. 13 against the Atlanta Gladiators, for the Orlando Solar Bears 2018-19 season, presented by XYMOPrint. The Solar Bears are members of the ECHL, the premier “AA” hockey league in North America, and have qualified for the Kelly Cup Playoffs in four of six seasons. 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.

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