Brent Pedersen named as alternate for 2019 CCM/ECHL All-Star Classic

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Solar Bears have announced that rookie forward Brent Pedersen has been named as an alternate for the Eastern Conference All-Stars for the 2019 CCM/ECHL All-Star Classic, to be hosted by the Toledo Walleye on Monday, Jan. 21 at 7 p.m. at the Huntington Center. The game will air LIVE exclusively on NHL Network.

Pedersen, 23, is in his first season of professional hockey after signing with the Solar Bears on Sept. 24. The forward is currently with the Manitoba Moose of the American Hockey League after signing a Professional Try-Out Agreement with the AHL affiliate of the Winnipeg Jets on Dec. 13.

In 22 games with the Solar Bears, Pedersen had tallied 22 points (7g-15a) and four penalty minutes. He has added three points (2g-1a) and two penalty minutes in eight games with Manitoba.

At the time of his loan to the Moose, Pedersen ranked seventh among all first-year ECHL players in scoring, and his 22 points ranked him second on the Solar Bears.

Pedersen was originally a fifth-round selection (#126 overall) by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.

Solar Bears ECHL All-Star Selection History

Season – Host Team – Solar Bears Representative2018-19 – Toledo Walleye – Brent Pedersen2017-18 – Indy Fuel – Nolan Valleau2016-17 – Adirondack Thunder – Tony Cameranesi (did not play)2015-16 – No game2014-15 – Orlando Solar Bears – Solar Bears roster (host team)2013-14 – No game2012-13 – Colorado Eagles – C.J. Severyn (replaced Nick Petersen)

The rosters for the Eastern Conference and Western Conference All-Stars were determined in a vote of coaches, team captains, media relations directors, broadcasters and members of the media.

Eastern Conference All-StarsG – Mitch Gillam, Worcester RailersD – Dajon Mingo, Jacksonville IcemenD – Sean Day, Maine MarinersD – David Kolomatis, Manchester MonarchsF – Mike Szmatula, Adirondack ThunderF – David Pacan, Brampton BeastF – Joe Cox, Florida EverbladesF – Johno May, Greenville Swamp RabbitsF – Giorgio Estephan, Newfoundland GrowlersF – Jonathan Charbonneau, South Carolina Stingrays

AlternatesF – Brett McKenzie, Atlanta GladiatorsD – Jalen Smereck, Norfolk AdmiralsF – Brent Pedersen, Orlando Solar BearsF – Steven Swavely, Reading Royals

Western Conference All-StarsG – Tomas Sholl, Idaho SteelheadsD – Alex Breton, Allen AmericansD – Neil Manning, Indy FuelD – Kevin Spinozzi, Wheeling NailersF – Vasili Glotov, Cincinnati CyclonesF – Justin Hodgman, Fort Wayne KometsF – Justin Taylor, Kalamazoo WingsF – Jared VanWormer, Kansas City MavericksF – Andrew Radjenovic, Rapid City RushF – Steven Iacobellis, Wichita Thunder

AlternatesG – Evan Fitzpatrick, Tulsa OilersF – Caleb Herbert, Utah Grizzlies

For the second consecutive year, the CCM/ECHL All-Star Classic will feature a 3-on-3 tournament with four teams competing for the top spot. New in 2019, the host team will make up two of the four teams and face-off against the other two teams made up of All-Star players from the Eastern and Western Conference. These four teams will compete in a 3-on-3 tournament with rally scoring in order to crown a winner. The 2019 CCM/ECHL All-Star Skills Competition will take place in between rounds of the tournament, highlighting the talents of the ECHL Players, and showcasing the future of hockey as they develop in the League.

There have been 67 players from the ECHL All-Star Game have gone on to play in the National Hockey League, including 51 since 2002 when the lineups began having players who coaches felt were prospects to move up to a higher level.

The 12th class of the ECHL Hall of Fame will be officially inducted at a luncheon, presented by BFL CANADA and Sutton Special Risk, on Sunday, January 20 at 1 p.m. at the SeaGate Center, in conjunction with the Toledo Hockey Hall of Fame, presented by Cooper Tire.

Anchored by the CCM/ECHL All-Star Classic, there will be multiple activities that showcase the Toledo community including the All-Star Fanfest in Hensville Park and All-Star Winter Brewfest at Fifth Third Field. The Hall of Fame luncheon will be followed by a regular-season matchup between the Walleye and the Fort Wayne Komets at the Huntington Center.

CCM/ECHL All-Star packages and individual tickets can be purchased by calling (419) 725-9255 or by visiting www.toledowalleye.com/allstar.

About the ECHL

Began in 1988-89 with five teams in four states, the ECHL has grown into a coast-to-coast league with 27 teams in 20 states and two Canadian provinces for its 31st season in 2018-19. There have been 651 players who have gone on to play in the National Hockey League after playing in the ECHL, including 10 who have made their NHL debuts in the 2018-19 season. The ECHL has affiliations with 25 of the 31 NHL teams in 2018-19, marking the 22nd consecutive season that the league has affiliations with at least 20 teams in the NHL. Further information on the ECHL is available on its website at ECHL.com.

NEXT GAMES: The Solar Bears hit the road for a season-high nine-game road trip, beginning on Wednesday, Jan. 9 when they face the Norfolk Admirals at 7 p.m. at the Norfolk Scope. The Solar Bears return home to host the Jacksonville Icemen on Wednesday, Feb. 6 at 7 p.m. for a Wine Down Wednesday. Fans can take advantage of $5 wine specials during the game. CLICK HEREto purchase tickets for the game.

2018-19 Season Presented by XYMOPrint:

The 2018-19 Orlando Solar Bears season is presented by XYMOPrint, Orlando’s digital printing experts. As a special offer, fans who call XYMOPrint at (888) 223-9390 from now until June 15, 2019 and reference the Solar Bears will receive 30% off their first order of 500 business cards.

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 Membershipsfor 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 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.