Solar Bears sign veteran forward Erik Bradford

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

Bradford, 26, enters his sixth season of professional hockey after putting up 53 points (18g-35a) and 30 penalty minutes in 54 games with the Brampton Beast in 2019-20. He also added one goal in a one-game stint with the AHL’s Toronto Marlies. 

The 6-foot-0, 185-pound forward previously played for the Solar Bears as a rookie during the 2015-16 season while on loan from the Marlies. In 65 games with Orlando that season, Bradford recorded 32 points (10g-22a) and 28 penalty minutes, and he established the club record for the longest point streak by a rookie, recording 10 points (3g-7a) in 10 games from March 6-26 of that season. 

The veteran has played in 286 career ECHL games with Orlando, Brampton, Toledo, Norfolk and Utah, recording 236 points (73g-163a) and 154 penalty minutes, while earning a selection to the ECHL All-Star Classic in 2016-17. Over the last five seasons, Bradford’s 163 assists and 236 points rank sixth (tied) and 11th respectively among all ECHL skaters. 

Bradford has also appeared in four career AHL games with the Marlies, recording two goals. 

Prior to turning pro, the Orangeville, Ontario native played major junior hockey in the Ontario Hockey League for the Owen Sound Attack, Ottawa 67’s and Barrie Colts, notching 186 points (76g-110a) and 166 penalty minutes. 

Orlando has also released forwards Isaiah Crawford, Alex Gilmour, J.M. Piotrowski and Ethan Skinner.

Orlando Solar Bears 2020 Training Camp Roster (as of Dec. 3, 2020): 

Forwards Abbandonato, Peter [SYR] Alvaro, Matt [R] Bird, TylerBradford, ErikCammarata, Taylor Coughler, Jake Hope, Kylar [R] Johnson, Stephen [R] Kozun, Tad Langan, Tristin LeBlanc, Chris Luchuk, Aaron May, Johno Pavlychev, Nikita [R-SYR] Rockwood, Adam 

Defensemen Boyd, Rich Kuqali, Alexander Lohan, Kevin McInnis, Luke [R] McNally, Patrick Meyer, Paul [R] Panico, Tommy Stephens, Devante [SYR] 

Goaltenders Lackey, Michael [R]Sparks, GarretWindsor, Clint [SYR] 

Key: [R] = Rookie [TO] = Tryout [V] = Veteran[SYR] = Syracuse Crunch contract

The Solar Bears open the 2020-21 season, presented by XYMOPrint, on the road against the Florida Everblades on Saturday, Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. Orlando’s first home game of the 2020-21 season will be played at the AdventHealth Rink at Amway Center on Tuesday, Dec. 29 at 7 p.m. 

Merchandise Offer — Holiday Bundle:

Take advantage of our Holiday Bundle offer, which includes a holiday hat, thematic jersey and puck, all for $89, while supplies last. All online merchandise purchases also include a free Solar Bears face covering, while supplies last. Shop now at orlandosolarbearshockey.com/shop.

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 $279 – CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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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.

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 Stanley Cup champion 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 the AdventHealth 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.