The Orlando Solar Bears category covers Central Florida's ECHL club and its role in the Tampa Bay Lightning development system. Florida Sports Blog follows games, transactions, call-ups, assignments, schedules and playoff races, with the Solar Bears nested beneath the Lightning affiliate branch. The Solar Bears name first became prominent in the International Hockey League from 1995 to 2001, ending that era by winning the final Turner Cup championship in 2001. A new ECHL expansion franchise revived the name in 2012, and the modern Solar Bears became a Tampa Bay Lightning affiliate in 2018-19. The organization therefore connects Orlando's 1990s hockey boom with today's NHL development system.
The Orlando Solar Bears re-signed 24-year-old defenseman Xavier Lapointe for the 2026-27 season after he recorded two goals, six penalty minutes and a plus-1 rating in eight games.
The Orlando Solar Bears announced 23 promotional nights for their 36-game 2026-27 home schedule, with single-game tickets going on sale Sept. 8.
The Orlando Solar Bears agreed to terms with goaltender Ryan Bednard on a contract for the 2026-27 season.
The Orlando Solar Bears announced their updated 2026-27 ECHL hockey schedule, featuring 36 home games, 19 weekend dates and an Oct. 18 Opening Night against the Florida Everblades.
The Orlando Solar Bears agreed to terms with forward Kobe Walker on a contract for the 2026-27 season. Walker brings ECHL experience and 37 points in 47 games with Aalborg…
The Orlando Solar Bears have re-signed defenseman Tony Follmer for the 2026-27 ECHL season. Follmer returns for his second professional season after contributing 11 points in 62 games over two…
The Orlando Solar Bears signed rookie center Camaryn Baber, a 25-year-old university standout from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, for the 2026-27 ECHL season, marking his professional hockey debut after a…
Forward Luciano Wilson has re-signed with the Orlando Solar Bears for the 2026-27 ECHL season after finishing a successful collegiate career and contributing in 16 games last season.