ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Solar Bears have agreed to terms with rookie defenseman Carter Struthers for the 2018-19 season.
Struthers, 25, joins Orlando for his first full season of professional hockey after suiting up in eight games with the Greenville Swamp Rabbits at the conclusion of the 2017-18 campaign. The 6-foot-5, 212-pound blueliner recorded one assist and 19 penalty minutes for Greenville.
“Carter brings more size to our blue line and will be effective at shutting down the opposition,” Solar Bears head coach and general manager Drake Berehowsky said. “We saw him briefly after he had just turned pro with Greenville last season, and we think he has a lot to offer.”
Prior to turning pro, the native of Weyburn, Saskatchewan played college hockey for Bemidji State University, where he logged four points (1g-3a) and 14 penalty minutes in 49 games for the Beavers program.
“It was an easy decision to come to the Solar Bears after playing a game on the road there last year,” Struthers said. “The city, the electric fan base, the facility and the team were all major selling points. I’m excited for the opportunity to help bring a championship to Orlando!”
Struthers also played junior hockey for the Weyburn Red Wings of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, amassing 47 points (11g-36a) and 52 penalty minutes in 79 career games.
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!
Lightning Preseason Tickets Now on Sale:
NHL hockey returns to Orlando this fall when the Tampa Bay Lightning face off against the Florida Panthers at the Amway Center in a preseason clash on Thursday, Sept. 27 at 7 p.m. Get your tickets now – visit the Amway Center box office or visit orlandosolarbearshockey.com/lightning.
2018-19 Single-Game Tickets Now on Sale:
Single-game tickets for the Orlando Solar Bears 2018-19 regular season home schedule are now on sale. Fans can purchase single-game tickets for as little as $15 at the Amway Center box office, or online at Ticketmaster.com.
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 as the Orlando Solar Bears open the 2018-19 season, presented by XYMOPrint. The Solar Bears are the proud affiliate of the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning and members of the ECHL, the premier “AA” hockey league in North America. In six seasons of operation, the team has qualified for the Kelly Cup Playoffs four times. 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.