Solar Bears Acquire Joe Murdaca from Newfoundland; Release Brad Barone

SOLAR BEARS ACQUIRE JOE MURDACA FROM NEWFOUNDLAND; RELEASE BRAD BARONEMurdaca has appeared in 57 professional games in four seasons

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Orlando Solar Bears announced today they have acquired goaltender Joe Murdaca in a trade with the Newfoundland Growlers and released goaltender Brad Barone.

Murdaca, 24, has appeared in one ECHL game this season with the Newfoundland Growlers, picking up the victory. He has posted a goals against average (GAA) of 3.00 and a save percentage (SV%) of .893. 

In four professional seasons, Murdaca has played in 57 games between the American Hockey League (AHL), ECHL, Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) and the Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL) with a combined record of 31-17-4-0. 

During the 2019-20 season, Murdaca was the goaltender of the SPHL All-Rookie Team. 

Prior to his professional career, Murdaca enjoyed a decorated junior career in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), winning a championship in both leagues, and winning a Memorial Cup Championship during the 2017-18 season with the Acadie-Bathust Titan of the QMJHL.

Barone, 32, appeared in 67 games in a Solar Bears uniform over parts of two seasons. The Medfield, Massachusetts native had a record of 28-27-7. This season, Barone was 5-8-3-1, posting a 3.33 GAA and a .910 SV%. Barone has appeared in 235 professional games between the ECHL, SPHL, and FPHL.

Barone set Solar Bears ECHL single-season records during the 2021-22 season in Game Played (48), Wins (23), Losses (19), Saves (1,357), and Minutes Played (2,695).

NEXT GAME: HAPPY NEW YEAR! The Solar Bears return to Amway Center on Friday, January 6 when they face the Florida Everblades. The puck drops at 7:00 p.m.

2022-23 Season Presented by Janney Roofing: The 2022-23 Orlando Solar Bears season is presented by Janney Roofing. Voted Orlando’s Best Roofer by Orlando Weekly, Janney Roofing is a family-founded and family-operated company built on honesty, quality and integrity. Get your free quote today at janneyroofing.com.

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 10 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.