Solar Bears Athletic Trainer Brian DeAlmeida Selected to 2023 Warrior/ECHL All-Star Classic

SOLAR BEARS ATHLETIC TRAINER BRIAN DEALMEIDA SELECTED TO 2023 WARRIOR/ECHL ALL-STAR CLASSIC2023 ECHL All-Star Classic will be played January 16 in Norfolk

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Orlando Solar Bears have announced that athletic trainer Brian DeAlmeida, LAT, ATC has been named the athletic trainer for the 2023 Warrior/ECHL All-Star Classic presented by Optima Health and Sentara Healthcare on Monday, Jan. 16, 2023 at Norfolk Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia. The game will air LIVE exclusively on NHL Network and will stream on FloHockey.

DeAlmeida is in his third season as the Solar Bears’ head athletic trainer. Prior to joining the Solar Bears, DeAlmeida functioned as a supervising athletic trainer at the ESPN Wide World of Sports at Walt Disney World. He was responsible for coordinating medical coverage for multiple sporting events as well as overseeing a staff of 100+ athletic trainers. He was also a member of the team that was responsible for the 2020 NBA Season Restart Bubble as a care advocate. A 2018 graduate of Boston University, DeAlmeida received a Bachelor’s of Science in Athletic Training. While at B.U. he worked with both the Harvard University and B.U. men’s hockey teams.

DeAlmeida and Ward will be joined by D'Arcy Wiart (athletic trainer) and Garrett Hoglund (equipment manager) of the host Norfolk Admirals.

Solar Bears ECHL All-Star Classic Selection History:Season – Host – Solar Bears Representative2012-13 – Colorado Eagles – C.J. Severyn (Replaced Nick Petersen)2013-14 – No game2014-15 – Orlando Solar Bears – Solar Bears roster (host team)2015-16 – No game2016-17 – Adirondack Thunder – Tony Cameranesi (did not play)2017-18 – Indy Fuel – Nolan Valleau2018-19 – Toledo Walleye – Brent Pedersen (alternate, did not play)2019-20 – Wichita Thunder – Michael Brodzinski2020-21 – No game2021-22 – Jacksonville Icemen – Brad Barone, Aaron Luchuk2022-23 – Norfolk Admirals – Michael Brodzinski, Trainer Brian DeAlmeida

There have been 71 players from the ECHL All-Star Game who have gone on to play in the National Hockey League, including 55 since 2002 when the lineups began having players who coaches felt were prospects to move up to a higher level. 

NEXT GAMES: 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.

About the ECHL:Formed in 1988-89 with five teams in four states, the ECHL has grown into a coast-to-coast league with 26 teams in 19 states and two Canadian provinces for its 32nd season in 2019-20. There have been 731 playerswho have gone on to play in the National Hockey League after starting their careers in the ECHL, including four who have made their NHL debut in the 2022-23 season. The ECHL has affiliations with 28 of the 32 NHL teams in 2022-23, marking the 26th 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 as well as on Twitter and Facebook.

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.