Solar Bears sign Alex Frye, Winter Haven native Drennen Atherton; Release Jimmy Poreda

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Orlando Solar Bears have agreed to terms with forward Alex Frye and goaltender Drennen Atherton, Solar Bears Head Coach and General Manager Matt Carkner announced today. Additionally, the Solar Bears have released goaltender Jimmy Poreda.

Frye, 24, joins the Solar Bears by way of Northern Michigan University, where he played the last three seasons (2020-2023) after spending one season at University of Alaska-Anchorage (2019-2020).

The Clarkston, Michigan native appeared in 130 NCAA hockey games scoring 59 points (30g-29a).

Prior to his collegiate experience, Frye scored 118 points (60g-58a) over three seasons in the North American Hockey League (NAHL) for the Philadelphia / Jamestown Rebels and Topeka Roadrunners. Frye spent the 2015-16 season with the Chicago Steel of the United States Hockey League (USHL), recording eight points (3g-5a) in 55 games.

Atherton. 25, joins the Solar Bears after completing his decorated collegiate career at Norwich University (Northfield, Vermont). The Winter Haven, Florida native was named to the first All-American Team by the American Hockey Coaches Association (AHCA) after a 16-6-0 record during the 2022-23 regular season, posting a 1.49 goals against average (GAA) and a .966 save percentage (SV%) in his senior season.

The 6-foot-1, 212-pound netminder was as a finalist for the 2022-23 Sid Watson Award, given to the Division II-III Men's Ice Hockey Player of the Year.

In total, Atherton appeared in 42 games over three seasons for Norwich, recording a 28-9-5 record, a 1.45 GAA and a .946 SV%.

Prior to his time at Norwich, Atherton played parts of two seasons at Sacred Heart University (NCAA Div. I).

The Solar Bears have released goaltender Jimmy Poreda. The 27-year-old appeared in 11 games for the Solar Bears this season, posting a 6-4-0 record, a 2.68 GAA and a .915 SV%,

The Buffalo, New York native was signed by the Solar Bears in December after starting the 2022-23 campaign with the Knoxville Ice Bears of the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL).

NEXT HOME GAMES: Orlando welcomes the Jacksonville Icemen back to AdventHealth Rink at Amway Center on Friday, March 31 for 90's Night and Saturday, April 1 for First Responders Appreciation Night. The puck drops at 7:00 p.m. on both nights.

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.