Michael Brodzinski returns for third season with Solar Bears

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Solar Bears have announced the club has agreed to terms with defenseman Michael Brodzinski on an ECHL Standard Player Contract for the 2020-21 season. 

Brodzinski (brawd-ZIHN-skee), 25, returns for his third season in Orlando after posting totals of 35 points (8g-27a) and 36 penalty minutes in 58 games during the 2019-20 season, while serving as an alternate captain. Brodzinski’s 35 points led the Solar Bears’ defensive corps in scoring and his 27 assists led the entire roster. The blueliner’s goals, assists and points totals each placed among the ECHL’s Top-20 for defensemen. 

On Dec. 21, Brodzinski established new franchise single-game records for assists (5) and points (6) by an individual skater in Orlando’s 8-2 win at Atlanta. In January, Brodzinski was selected to represent the Solar Bears at the 2020 Warrior Hockey / ECHL All-Star Classic in Wichita, Kansas. 

In 150 career ECHL games with Orlando and the Allen Americans, the 5-11, 195-pound defenseman has recorded 83 points (20g-63a) and 66 penalty minutes. Over the past two seasons, Brodzinski’s 73 points earned in his time with Orlando is the fourth-most among all ECHL defensemen. He has also appeared in 61 career American Hockey League matches with the San Jose Barracuda, accumulating 10 points (2g-8a) and 46 penalty minutes. 

Prior to turning pro, the native of Ham Lake, Minnesota played college hockey at the University of Minnesota, where he generated 48 points (18g-30a) and 62 penalty minutes in 99 career games for the Golden Gophers program. 

Brodzinski played junior hockey for the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the United States Hockey League, appearing in 64 career games and registering 34 points (16g-18a) and 47 penalty minutes. During the 2012-13 season, the defenseman was named a USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game selection, and led all defensemen on the junior circuit with 16 goals, earning USHL All-Rookie Team and USHL Second All-Star Team honors. 

Brodzinski was a fifth-round selection (#141 overall) by the San Jose Sharks in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. 

New Mobile App: 

Download the new Orlando Solar Bears mobile app today — get access to your game tickets, news, updates and more! Download in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store today.

COVID-19 Relief Efforts:

The Solar Bears announced the pre-sale of a COVID-19 Relief Bundle in April, featuring a team-branded face covering and t-shirt retailing for $30, with the net proceeds going to Feeding Children Everywhere to assist in the organization’s efforts to package and distribute meals to children and families in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fans can continue to place their orders for a COVID-19 Relief Bundle at www.orlandosolarbearshockey.com/shop/covid-19-relief. Fans can also support ECHL players and their families who have suffered financial hardship as a result of the cancelation of the 2019-20 ECHL season by contributing to the ECHL-PHPA COVID-19 Relief Fund at www.echl.com/covid19relieffund. 

2020-21 Season Ticket Memberships on Sale Now:

Upgrade to Solar Status and become a Season Ticket Member today. Season ticket memberships for the 2020-21 season are now on sale and start as little as $314 – CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.

2020-21 Season Presented by XYMOPrint:

The 2020-21 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, 2021 and reference the Solar Bears will receive 15% off their first order and a free Orlando Solar Bears poster!

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 eight seasons of operation, the team has qualified for the Kelly Cup Playoffs five times. The Solar Bears are owned and operated by the Orlando Magic and the DeVos Family, and play 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.