ORLANDO, Fla. - The Orlando Solar Bears, ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Tampa Bay Lightning, announced today the signing of forward/defenseman John Parker-Jones to a contract for the 2026-27 season.
Parker-Jones, 26, joins the Solar Bears after spending the past two seasons with the Greenville Swamp Rabbits. The 6-foot-7, 229-pound forward recorded 11 points (6g-5a) and 91 penalty minutes in 52 games with Greenville during the 2025-26 season after posting a career-best 27 points (10g-17a) in 50 games the year prior.
A native of Brantford, Ontario, Parker-Jones has appeared in 174 ECHL games with Greenville and Trois-Rivières, totaling 31 goals, 33 assists, 64 points, and 277 penalty minutes. He has also skated in 23 American Hockey League (AHL) games with the Laval Rocket and Ontario Reign, collecting five points and 34 penalty minutes.
Prior to his professional career, Parker-Jones played junior hockey with the Peterborough Petes of the Ontario Hockey League from 2017-2020 and one season of collegiate hockey at University of Windsor (USPORTS).
Originally developed as a defenseman, Parker-Jones has transitioned into a power forward role, utilizing his size, physicality, and net-front presence.
Solar Bears 2026 Preseason Roster:
FORWARDS: Camaryn Baber, Tyler Bird, Connor Eddy, Aaron Luchuk, Keegan McMullen, John Parker-Jones, Luciano Wilson
DEFENSEMEN: Jarod Crespo, Tony Follmer, Colton Kammerer, Kade Landry
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