Tayler Thompson back for 2018-19 season

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Solar Bears have agreed to terms with forward Tayler Thompson for the 2018-19 season.

“Adding Tayler last season gave us a spark-plug in our lineup,” Solar Bears head coach and general manager Drake Berehowsky said. “He’s a good teammate to have in our locker room, and we expect him to take another step forward in his development this year.”

Thompson, 25, returns for his second season with the Solar Bears after signing with the team on Nov. 21. In 28 games with Orlando, Thompson recorded 11 points (6g-5a) and 26 penalty minutes; in five playoff games he contributed nine penalty minutes.

Before joining the Solar Bears during the 2017-18 campaign, Thompson also skated in two contests with the Norfolk Admirals, registering five penalty minutes. He also appeared in three matches with Brest Albatross Hockey in France.

“It was an easy decision coming back to the Solar Bears, it’s without a doubt the best place to play in the league. From the fans, the arena, and everyone within the organization, everything is done with a ton of professionalism,” Thompson said. “There’s a lot of good people in place here, and I feel Orlando is the best opportunity for me as a player to grow and win a championship.”

The 6-foot-1, 181-pound forward has skated in 145 combined games in his professional career, generating 94 points (29g-65a) and 219 penalty minutes. During the 2016-17 season with the Fayetteville FireAntz of the Southern Professional Hockey League, Thompson earned All-SPHL First Team honors after leading the league with 60 points (18g-42a) and 125 penalty minutes in 58 games.

Prior to turning pro, the Bredenbury, Saskatchewan native played one season at the University of Saskatchewan, where he registered five points (1g-4a) and 12 penalty minutes in 27 games. Thompson also appeared in 66 games with the Prince George Cougars of the Western Hockey League, where he posted totals of 11 points (5g-6a) and 17 penalty minutes.

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 Orlando 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.