Taylor Doherty returns to Solar Bears

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

Doherty, 27, returns to Orlando after spending the 2017-18 season under contract with the Providence Bruins of the American Hockey League. He appeared in one game with Providence, earning five penalty minutes, and spent the majority of the season assigned to the Bruins’ ECHL affiliate, the Atlanta Gladiators. During Doherty’s time with the Gladiators, he posted 19 points (6g-13a) and 89 penalty minutes in 63 games while serving as an alternate captain. Doherty went on to add one assist and two penalty minutes in four playoff games with Atlanta. While playing for the Gladiators, the 6-foot-8, 250-pound blueliner was the tallest player in the ECHL.

During the 2016-17 campaign with the Solar Bears, Doherty suited up in 30 regular season games, logging 15 points (3g-12a) and 86 penalty minutes. The defenseman also recorded a +21 rating which tied for the team lead and set a new franchise single-season record. Doherty made his pro postseason debut that spring, leading Orlando’s defensive corps in playoff scoring with seven points (4g-3a) and 15 penalty minutes in seven playoff contests.

“We’re thrilled to be able to bring Taylor back,” Solar Bears head coach and general manager Drake Berehowsky said. “He’s already familiar with what we’ve been building here, and he’s a rock-steady defenseman who will be an anchor for us on our blue line and a leader in our locker room.”

In 406 career regular season games, Doherty has accumulated 101 points (24g-77a) and 604 penalty minutes.

“I enjoyed my time here in Orlando two seasons ago, and the opportunity to play here again was really appealing,” Doherty said. “I’m excited for training camp to get going in October.”

Prior to turning pro, the Cambridge, Ontario, native spent his major junior career with the Ontario Hockey League’s Kingston Frontenacs, where he registered totals 137 points (38g-99a) and 458 penalty minutes in 263 games.

Doherty was originally selected by the San Jose Sharks in the second round (57th overall) of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.

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.