ORLANDO, Fla. — The ECHL announced that, in recognition of their efforts during the pandemic, head athletic trainers from all 14 participating Teams during the 2020-21 season have been selected as the winners of the ECHL Athletic Trainer of the Year award presented by the Fairly Group. Additionally, head equipment managers from all 14 participating Teams during the 2020-21 season have been selected as the winners of the ECHL Equipment Manager of the Year award presented by Warrior Hockey.

The Solar Bears are represented by head athletic trainer Brian DeAlmeida and head equipment manager Adam Dexter.

DeAlmeida, 25, completed his first season of professional hockey with the Solar Bears, while Dexter, 40, completed his 16th season in the pro ranks, and his sixth with the Solar Bears over the course of two stints with the organization. Dexter was a previous recipient of the ECHL Equipment Manager of the Year award with Orlando during the 2012-13 season.

The ECHL is pleased to recognize the athletic training and equipment staffs from all 14 Member Teams. Each of these personnel helped to ensure teams are following the ECHL Return to Play protocol during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Team - Athletic Trainer/Equipment Manager

Allen Americans - Jordan Dutton/Tim AbbottFlorida Everblades - Dewey/John SellarsFort Wayne Komets - Matt Willett/Skylar GarverGreenville Swamp Rabbits - Adam Campbell/Shawn ThornsIndy Fuel - George Bullock Jr./Darrin FlinchemJacksonville Icemen - Scott McLay/Jeremy HollowayKansas City Mavericks - Nick Potter/Lukas NestorOrlando Solar Bears - Brian DeAlmeida/Adam DexterRapid City Rush - Cody Lindhorst/Gavin BechtolSouth Carolina Stingrays - Max Finley/Nick LazorTulsa Oilers    Steve Lintern/Tony DeynzerUtah Grizzlies - Collin Lee/Matthew SchwegmannWheeling Nailers - Daniel Barker/Bill HigginsWichita Thunder - Josh Elmer/Frank Jury

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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 nine 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.