ORLANDO, Fla. - The Orlando Solar Bears, ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Tampa Bay Lightning, announced today the club has agreed to terms with forward Brennan Saulnier to a contract for the 2026-27 season.
Saulnier, 32, brings a wealth of playing experience to the Solar Bears, amassing 164 American Hockey League (AHL) games and 74 ECHL games over six seasons. Most recently, the Halifax, Nova Scotia native skated for the Hershey Bears of the AHL during the 2024-25 season, scoring 10 points (4g-6a) in 39 games, while adding 99 penalty minutes.
In 164 career AHL games with Hershey, Belleville, and Lehigh Valley, Saulnier tallied 45 points (20g-25a) and 401 penalty minutes. In 74 ECHL games with Trois-Rivières, Reading, Rapid City, and Atlanta, the 6-foot, 170-pound forward recorded 57 points (28g-29a) and 181 penalty minutes.
Prior to turning pro, Saulnier appeared in 119 collegiate games over four years at University of Alabama-Huntsville. He finished his NCAA career with 351 penalty minutes, which is fifth most in program history (Division I and Division II totals).
Brennan’s sister, Jill, is a current player for the Boston Fleet of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL).
Solar Bears 2026 Preseason Roster:
FORWARDS:
Camaryn Baber, Tyler Bird, Andrew Bruder, Connor Eddy, Zach Faremouth, Hunter Hall [PTO], Brendan Harris, Massimo Lombardi, Aaron Luchuk, Keegan McMullen, John Parker-Jones, Brandon Saigeon, Brennan Saulnier, Landry Schmuck [ATO], Kobe Walker, Luciano Wilson
DEFENSEMEN:
Jarod Crespo, Jack Dougherty, Tony Follmer, Dustin Geregach, Colton Kammerer, Kade Landry, Xavier Lapointe, Dilan Savenkov [PTO], Ethan Szmagaj
GOALTENDERS:
Ryan Bednard, Harrison Meneghin, Tyriq Outen [PTO]
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