Tyler Bird signs PTO with San Jose Barracuda

ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando Solar Bears forward Tyler Bird has signed a Professional Try-Out contract (PTO) with the San Jose Barracuda of the American Hockey League (AHL), the team announced today. 

Bird, 26, is in his fourth season with the Solar Bears. Appearing in 59 games this season, Bird 31 points (15g-16a), and 55 penalty minutes.

The 6-foot-2, 205-pound forward played in his 250th ECHL game on March 5, 2023, in South Carolina, 205 of those games coming in an Orlando Solar Bears uniform. 

The Andover, Massachusetts native was selected by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the fifth round, 137th overall, in the 2014 NHL Draft. 

This is Bird’s second tenure with the Barracuda. Bird was signed by San Jose following the conclusion of the 2021-22 Solar Bears season, where he appeared in three games. In total, Bird has 12 games of AHL experience under his belt in his five-year professional career. 

Prior to turning pro, Bird played four seasons of collegiate hockey for Brown University, where he collected 35 points (22g-13a) 40 penalty minutes in 120 games for the Bears program. Bird only missed four games during his NCAA career and was named an alternate captain for his senior season. 

NEXT HOME GAMES: Sunday, March 12 is Hockey Fights Cancer Night presented by Frank Gay Services. Puck drop between the Solar Bears and the Jacksonville Icemen is at 3:00 p.m. Stick around after the game for the Sk8 to Elimin8 Ice Show featuring Olympic Gold Medalist Scott Hamilton.

The Solar Bears host the Maine Mariners for their only trip to AdventHealth Rink at Amway Center on Wednesday, March 22. 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.