Orlando Solar Bears
Encyclopedia
The Orlando Solar Bears were a professional
minor league
ice hockey
team based in Orlando, Florida
. The Solar Bears played in the International Hockey League's Eastern Conference. They played their home games at the Orlando Arena (now the Amway Arena).
and the Kansas City Blades
of the IHL and the Orlando Magic
of the NBA. During their time in the IHL, the team made it to three Turner Cup finals, being swept by the Utah Grizzlies in 1996, losing in game seven to the Houston Aeros
in 1999 and defeating the Chicago Wolves
in five games in 2001.
Several IHL teams were taken into the American Hockey League
, but the Solar Bears were not among them. The DeVos family could only bring one team into the AHL, and chose the Griffins because the Solar Bears had never drawn well despite their on-ice success. However, the IHL's prestigious "Turner Cup
" resides in the Hockey Hall of Fame
in Toronto, Ontario with the Orlando Solar Bears team name inscribed for all posterity as the 2nd to last team to win it. A handful of Solar Bears went on to play for the team they defeated for the cup, the Chicago Wolves
, (AHL), most notably goalie, Norm Maracle
, the IHL MVP. of that deciding playoff series 1999–2001. That Wolves team went on the win the Calder Cup in their first AHL season.
During its inaugural season, the Solar Bears starred center Alfie Turcotte
, former first round pick of the Montreal Canadiens
. Other notable team members included: Hubie McDonough
(New York Islanders
), C.; Pat Neaton, D.; Barry Dreger, D.; Todd Richards
, F.; Craig Fisher
(Philadelphia Flyers
), D.; Curtis Murphy
, D.; Allan Bester
, G.; Scott LaGrand
; Dave Barr. C.; Mark Beaufait
, F.; Todd Krygier
(Washington Capitals
), F.; Kirby Law
, F.; Mike Hartman
, F.; Jason Blake, F.; Zac Boyer
, F.; Grigori Panteleev, F; Herbert Vasiljevs
, F.; and Dan Snyder
(Atlanta Thrashers
), F.
Historic comeback from 0–3 deficit: In the 1999 Turner Cup Conference Finals, the Solar Bears completed the only successful comeback from a 0–3 deficit in the 56-year history of the International Hockey League. It came at the expense of the Detroit Vipers
. In a thrilling Game 7, rookie Jason Blake
scored twice in regulation and winger Todd Krygier
got the game-winner 25 seconds into the second overtime, giving Orlando a 5–4 victory. Unfortunately for the Solar Bears, they lost in the finals, 4 games to 3, to the Houston Aeros.
In 2011, the ECHL
announced a new franchise had been awarded to Orlando
. On November 16, 2011 it was announced that the new team would be named the Orlando Solar Bears.
Eastern Conference Champions Trophy
James Norris Memorial Trophy
(Best Goaltender - Statistical)
Commissioners' Trophy
(Coach of the Year)
Ken McKenzie Trophy
(American Born Rookie of the Year)
James Gatschene Memorial Trophy
(Most Valuable Player)
N.R. Poile Trophy (Playoff MVP)
Gary F. Longman Memorial Trophy
(Rookie of the Year)
Comeback Player of the Year
, 74 (1995–96)
Most Assists in a season: Mark Beaufait
, 79 (1995–96)
Most Points in a season: Craig Fisher
, 130 (1995–96)
Most Penalty Minutes in a season: Barry Dreger, 387 (1996–97)
Most Wins in a season: Norm Maracle
, 33 (2000–01)
Most Shutouts in a season: Norm Maracle
, 8 (2000–01)
Professional
A professional is a person who is paid to undertake a specialised set of tasks and to complete them for a fee. The traditional professions were doctors, lawyers, clergymen, and commissioned military officers. Today, the term is applied to estate agents, surveyors , environmental scientists,...
minor league
Minor league
Minor leagues are professional sports leagues which are not regarded as the premier leagues in those sports. Minor league teams tend to play in smaller, less elaborate venues, often competing in smaller cities. This term is used in North America with regard to several organizations competing in...
ice hockey
Ice hockey
Ice hockey, often referred to as hockey, is a team sport played on ice, in which skaters use wooden or composite sticks to shoot a hard rubber puck into their opponent's net. The game is played between two teams of six players each. Five members of each team skate up and down the ice trying to take...
team based in Orlando, Florida
Orlando, Florida
Orlando is a city in the central region of the U.S. state of Florida. It is the county seat of Orange County, and the center of the Greater Orlando metropolitan area. According to the 2010 US Census, the city had a population of 238,300, making Orlando the 79th largest city in the United States...
. The Solar Bears played in the International Hockey League's Eastern Conference. They played their home games at the Orlando Arena (now the Amway Arena).
Facts
- Turner CupTurner CupThe Turner Cup is the championship trophy of the International Hockey League. The Cup is named for Joe Turner, a goaltender from Windsor, Ontario. Turner became professional with the Detroit Red Wings organization, and played one season with the Indianapolis Capitals in the American Hockey League...
Champions: 1 — 2000–01- Runner-up: 2 — 1995–96, 1998–99
- Conference Champions: Eastern: 3 — 1995–96, 1998–99, 2000–01
- Division Champions: Central: 1 — 1995–96
- Main Rival: Detroit VipersDetroit VipersThe Detroit Vipers was an International Hockey League team. The team was founded in 1994, and played at The Palace of Auburn Hills.-Beginning:...
Franchise history
The Solar Bears started in 1995 and played in the International Hockey League (IHL) until the league folded in 2001. They were owned by the DeVos family, who also owned the Grand Rapids GriffinsGrand Rapids Griffins
The Grand Rapids Griffins are a professional hockey team in the American Hockey League . They play in Grand Rapids, Michigan at the Van Andel Arena. They are the AHL affiliate to the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League....
and the Kansas City Blades
Kansas City Blades
The Kansas City Blades was a professional ice hockey team in the International Hockey League from 1990–2001 until the demise of the league after the 2000–01 season. The Blades was based in Kansas City, Missouri at Kemper Arena....
of the IHL and the Orlando Magic
Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic is a professional basketball team based in Orlando, Florida. They play in the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association and are currently coached by Stan Van Gundy...
of the NBA. During their time in the IHL, the team made it to three Turner Cup finals, being swept by the Utah Grizzlies in 1996, losing in game seven to the Houston Aeros
Houston Aeros
The Houston Aeros are a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. The team plays in Houston, Texas, at the Toyota Center. They are the AHL affiliate of the NHL's Minnesota Wild.- History :...
in 1999 and defeating the Chicago Wolves
Chicago Wolves
The Chicago Wolves are a professional hockey team playing in the American Hockey League. They are the top affiliate of the Vancouver Canucks of the NHL. The Wolves play home games at the Allstate Arena in the Chicago suburb of Rosemont, Illinois...
in five games in 2001.
Several IHL teams were taken into the American Hockey League
American Hockey League
The American Hockey League is a 30-team professional ice hockey league based in the United States and Canada that serves as the primary developmental circuit for the National Hockey League...
, but the Solar Bears were not among them. The DeVos family could only bring one team into the AHL, and chose the Griffins because the Solar Bears had never drawn well despite their on-ice success. However, the IHL's prestigious "Turner Cup
Turner Cup
The Turner Cup is the championship trophy of the International Hockey League. The Cup is named for Joe Turner, a goaltender from Windsor, Ontario. Turner became professional with the Detroit Red Wings organization, and played one season with the Indianapolis Capitals in the American Hockey League...
" resides in the Hockey Hall of Fame
Hockey Hall of Fame
The Hockey Hall of Fame is located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Dedicated to the history of ice hockey, it is both a museum and a hall of fame. It holds exhibits about players, teams, National Hockey League records, memorabilia and NHL trophies, including the Stanley Cup...
in Toronto, Ontario with the Orlando Solar Bears team name inscribed for all posterity as the 2nd to last team to win it. A handful of Solar Bears went on to play for the team they defeated for the cup, the Chicago Wolves
Chicago Wolves
The Chicago Wolves are a professional hockey team playing in the American Hockey League. They are the top affiliate of the Vancouver Canucks of the NHL. The Wolves play home games at the Allstate Arena in the Chicago suburb of Rosemont, Illinois...
, (AHL), most notably goalie, Norm Maracle
Norm Maracle
Norm Maracle is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender who played in the National Hockey League for the Detroit Red Wings and Atlanta Thrashers...
, the IHL MVP. of that deciding playoff series 1999–2001. That Wolves team went on the win the Calder Cup in their first AHL season.
During its inaugural season, the Solar Bears starred center Alfie Turcotte
Alfie Turcotte
Alfie Turcotte is a former American ice hockey player.Born in Indiana, but raised in Holt, Michigan, Turcotte was selected by the Montreal Canadiens in the 1983 NHL Entry Draft...
, former first round pick of the Montreal Canadiens
Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ...
. Other notable team members included: Hubie McDonough
Hubie McDonough
Hubert B. McDonough is a retired American professional ice hockey centre. He was never selected in the NHL Entry Draft....
(New York Islanders
New York Islanders
The New York Islanders are a professional ice hockey team based in Uniondale, New York. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...
), C.; Pat Neaton, D.; Barry Dreger, D.; Todd Richards
Todd Richards (ice hockey)
Todd M. Richards is an assistant coach for the Columbus Blue Jackets NHL Ice hockey franchise, and the former head coach of the Minnesota Wild. He was formerly an American professional ice hockey defenceman and the head coach of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the AHL...
, F.; Craig Fisher
Craig Fisher
Craig Fisher is a Canadian retired professional ice hockey player.Fisher was drafted 56th overall in the 1988 NHL Entry Draft by the Philadelphia Flyers and played 12 NHL games with the Flyers, Winnipeg Jets, and Florida Panthers...
(Philadelphia Flyers
Philadelphia Flyers
The Philadelphia Flyers are a professional ice hockey team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...
), D.; Curtis Murphy
Curtis Murphy
Curtis Murphy is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman currently playing in the Austrian Hockey League with EHC Black Wings Linz....
, D.; Allan Bester
Allan Bester
Allan Bester is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender.Bester played with the Brantford Alexanders of the OHL for three seasons before moving on to professional hockey...
, G.; Scott LaGrand
Scott LaGrand
Scott LaGrand is an American former professional ice hockey goaltender who played nine seasons in the American Hockey League , International Hockey League , and East Coast Hockey League .-Playing career:...
; Dave Barr. C.; Mark Beaufait
Mark Beaufait
Mark Beaufait is a former professional ice hockey player who played 5 games for the San Jose Sharks of the NHL during the 1992–93 season. He spent the last seven playing for the Eisbären Berlin of the DEL. He retired on April 16, 2009.-Career statistics:-External links:...
, F.; Todd Krygier
Todd Krygier
Todd Andrew Krygier is a former American ice hockey player.After playing for the University of Connecticut, Krygier was selected by the Hartford Whalers in the 1988 NHL Supplemental Draft. He played parts of two seasons with the Whalers before being traded to the Washington Capitals in 1991...
(Washington Capitals
Washington Capitals
The Washington Capitals are a professional ice hockey team based in Washington, D.C. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Since their founding in 1974, "The Caps" have won one conference championship to reach the 1998 Stanley Cup...
), F.; Kirby Law
Kirby Law
Kirby Law is a Canadian professional ice hockey winger who is currently a Free Agent. He most recently played for HC Ambri-Piotta of the National League A . He previously played nine games over parts of three seasons in the National Hockey League for the Philadelphia Flyers.-Playing career:Law...
, F.; Mike Hartman
Mike Hartman
Michael J. Hartman is a retired professional ice hockey player. Hartman was drafted in the seventh round, 131st overall, by the Buffalo Sabres in the 1986 NHL Entry Draft....
, F.; Jason Blake, F.; Zac Boyer
Zac Boyer
Zac Boyer is a former National Hockey League right winger.He played in only 3 regular season games and 2 playoff games for the Dallas Stars...
, F.; Grigori Panteleev, F; Herbert Vasiljevs
Herbert Vasiljevs
Herberts Vasiļjevs is a Latvian ice hockey player who plays as a center and right winger. He currently plays for Krefeld Pinguine of DEL.-Playing career :...
, F.; and Dan Snyder
Dan Snyder
Daniel Snyder was a professional Canadian ice hockey player. He played as a centre in the National Hockey League for the Atlanta Thrashers...
(Atlanta Thrashers
Atlanta Thrashers
The Atlanta Thrashers were a professional ice hockey team based in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. Atlanta was granted a franchise in the National Hockey League on June 25, 1997, and became the league's 28th franchise when it began play in the 1999–2000 NHL season...
), F.
Historic comeback from 0–3 deficit: In the 1999 Turner Cup Conference Finals, the Solar Bears completed the only successful comeback from a 0–3 deficit in the 56-year history of the International Hockey League. It came at the expense of the Detroit Vipers
Detroit Vipers
The Detroit Vipers was an International Hockey League team. The team was founded in 1994, and played at The Palace of Auburn Hills.-Beginning:...
. In a thrilling Game 7, rookie Jason Blake
Jason Blake
Jason Blake may refer to:*Jason Blake , NHL player for the Anaheim Ducks*Jason Blake , Australian rules footballer with the St Kilda Football Club...
scored twice in regulation and winger Todd Krygier
Todd Krygier
Todd Andrew Krygier is a former American ice hockey player.After playing for the University of Connecticut, Krygier was selected by the Hartford Whalers in the 1988 NHL Supplemental Draft. He played parts of two seasons with the Whalers before being traded to the Washington Capitals in 1991...
got the game-winner 25 seconds into the second overtime, giving Orlando a 5–4 victory. Unfortunately for the Solar Bears, they lost in the finals, 4 games to 3, to the Houston Aeros.
In 2011, the ECHL
ECHL
The ECHL is a mid-level professional ice hockey league based in Princeton, New Jersey with teams scattered across the United States...
announced a new franchise had been awarded to Orlando
Orlando Solar Bears (ECHL)
The Orlando Solar Bears are a professional ice hockey team to be based in Orlando, Florida. They are scheduled to begin play in the ECHL for the 2012-13 season. They will play home games at the Amway Center.-History:...
. On November 16, 2011 it was announced that the new team would be named the Orlando Solar Bears.
Season-by-season record
Note: GP = Games played, W = Wins, L = Losses, T = Ties, OTL = Overtime losses, Pts = Points, GF = Goals for, GA = Goals against, PIM = Penalties in minutes| Season | GP | W | L | T | OTL | Pts | GF | GA | PIM | Finish | Playoffs |
| 1995–96 | 82 | 52 | 24 | 6 | 0 | 110 | 352 | 307 | 2161 | 1st in Central | Final, 0–4 (UTA Utah Grizzlies The Utah Grizzlies are a professional ice hockey team in the ECHL. They play out of West Valley City, Utah, United States, with their home games at the Maverik Center.- Franchise history :... ) |
| 1996–97 | 82 | 53 | 24 | 0 | 5 | 111 | 305 | 232 | 2218 | 2nd in Northeast | Lost in Semi-final (CIN Cincinnati Cyclones The Cincinnati Cyclones are a professional hockey team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. The team is a member of the ECHL. Founded in 1990, the team first played their games in the Cincinnati Gardens and now play at U.S. Bank Arena.... ) |
| 1997–98 | 82 | 42 | 30 | 10 | 3 | 94 | 258 | 251 | 2321 | 2nd in Northeast | Lost in ECF (DET Detroit Vipers The Detroit Vipers was an International Hockey League team. The team was founded in 1994, and played at The Palace of Auburn Hills.-Beginning:... ) |
| 1998–99 | 82 | 45 | 33 | 4 | 0 | 94 | 264 | 253 | 2324 | 2nd in Northeast | Final, 3–4 (HOU Houston Aeros The Houston Aeros are a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. The team plays in Houston, Texas, at the Toyota Center. They are the AHL affiliate of the NHL's Minnesota Wild.- History :... ) |
| 1999–00 | 82 | 47 | 23 | 0 | 12 | 106 | 250 | 202 | 2020 | 2nd in East | Lost in Semi-final (CIN Cincinnati Cyclones The Cincinnati Cyclones are a professional hockey team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. The team is a member of the ECHL. Founded in 1990, the team first played their games in the Cincinnati Gardens and now play at U.S. Bank Arena.... ) |
| 2000–01 | 82 | 47 | 28 | 0 | 7 | 101 | 241 | 193 | 1592 | 2nd in East | Won Turner Cup Turner Cup The Turner Cup is the championship trophy of the International Hockey League. The Cup is named for Joe Turner, a goaltender from Windsor, Ontario. Turner became professional with the Detroit Red Wings organization, and played one season with the Indianapolis Capitals in the American Hockey League... , 4–1 (CHI Chicago Wolves The Chicago Wolves are a professional hockey team playing in the American Hockey League. They are the top affiliate of the Vancouver Canucks of the NHL. The Wolves play home games at the Allstate Arena in the Chicago suburb of Rosemont, Illinois... ) |
| Grand Totals | 492 | 286 | 162 | 20 | 29 | 535 | 1670 | 1438 | 12636 |
IHL Awards and Trophies
Turner CupTurner Cup
The Turner Cup is the championship trophy of the International Hockey League. The Cup is named for Joe Turner, a goaltender from Windsor, Ontario. Turner became professional with the Detroit Red Wings organization, and played one season with the Indianapolis Capitals in the American Hockey League...
- 2000–01
Eastern Conference Champions Trophy
- 1995–96, 1998–99, 2000–01
James Norris Memorial Trophy
James Norris Memorial Trophy (IHL)
The James Norris Memorial Trophy was awarded annually by the International Hockey League to the goaltender, with the fewest goals allowed during the regular season. The trophy is named for James E. Norris, former owner of the Detroit Red Wings, in honor of his contributions to the IHL in its early...
(Best Goaltender - Statistical)
- Norm MaracleNorm MaracleNorm Maracle is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender who played in the National Hockey League for the Detroit Red Wings and Atlanta Thrashers...
, Scott FankhouserScott FankhouserScott Fankhouser was an American ice hockey goaltender, he is currently the Assistant Coach for the Cincinnati Cyclones of the ECHL.- Career :...
: 2000–01
Commissioners' Trophy
Commissioner's Trophy (IHL)
The Commissioner's Trophy was awarded annually by the International Hockey League to the head coach who was judged to have contributed the most to his team's success.-Winners:-External links:* www.hockeydb.com...
(Coach of the Year)
- Pete Horachek: 2000–01
Ken McKenzie Trophy
Ken McKenzie Trophy
The Ken McKenzie Trophy is awarded annually to the Central Hockey League's leading points scorer in the regular season. The award is named for Ken McKenzie, the co-founder and longtime president and publisher of The Hockey News....
(American Born Rookie of the Year)
- Brian FelsnerBrian FelsnerBrian Felsner is a retired American ice hockey left winger who played 12 games with the Chicago Blackhawks in the National Hockey League...
: 1996–97 - Eric NickulasEric NickulasEric Nickulas is a professional ice hockey right winger who last played for the ERC Ingolstadt of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga in Germany....
: 1997–98 - Brian PothierBrian PothierBrian Pothier is an American professional ice hockey player. Pothier played in the National Hockey League from 2000 until 2010. He is currently playing in the Swiss National League for Geneve Servette.-Playing career:...
: 2000–01
James Gatschene Memorial Trophy
James Gatschene Memorial Trophy
The James Gatschene Memorial Trophy was awarded annually to the International Hockey League player selected as most valuable through his display of outstanding playing ability and sportsmanlike conduct over the course of the regular season, as chosen by the league coaches.The trophy was first...
(Most Valuable Player)
- Norm MaracleNorm MaracleNorm Maracle is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender who played in the National Hockey League for the Detroit Red Wings and Atlanta Thrashers...
: 2000–01
N.R. Poile Trophy (Playoff MVP)
- Norm MaracleNorm MaracleNorm Maracle is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender who played in the National Hockey League for the Detroit Red Wings and Atlanta Thrashers...
: 2000–01
Gary F. Longman Memorial Trophy
Gary F. Longman Memorial Trophy
The Gary F. Longman Memorial Trophy, was awarded annually by the International Hockey League to the most outstanding first year player as voted on by the league's coaches. Prior to 1968, the award was known as the Leading Rookie Award.-Winners:...
(Rookie of the Year)
- Brian PothierBrian PothierBrian Pothier is an American professional ice hockey player. Pothier played in the National Hockey League from 2000 until 2010. He is currently playing in the Swiss National League for Geneve Servette.-Playing career:...
: 2000–01
Comeback Player of the Year
- Kevin SmythKevin SmythKevin Smyth is a retired professional ice hockey player who played 58 games in the National Hockey League. He played with the Hartford Whalers. He spent parts of three seasons with the Hartford Whalers in the mid-90s...
: 1996–97
Orlando Solar Bear Individual Records
Most Goals in a season: Craig FisherCraig Fisher
Craig Fisher is a Canadian retired professional ice hockey player.Fisher was drafted 56th overall in the 1988 NHL Entry Draft by the Philadelphia Flyers and played 12 NHL games with the Flyers, Winnipeg Jets, and Florida Panthers...
, 74 (1995–96)
Most Assists in a season: Mark Beaufait
Mark Beaufait
Mark Beaufait is a former professional ice hockey player who played 5 games for the San Jose Sharks of the NHL during the 1992–93 season. He spent the last seven playing for the Eisbären Berlin of the DEL. He retired on April 16, 2009.-Career statistics:-External links:...
, 79 (1995–96)
Most Points in a season: Craig Fisher
Craig Fisher
Craig Fisher is a Canadian retired professional ice hockey player.Fisher was drafted 56th overall in the 1988 NHL Entry Draft by the Philadelphia Flyers and played 12 NHL games with the Flyers, Winnipeg Jets, and Florida Panthers...
, 130 (1995–96)
Most Penalty Minutes in a season: Barry Dreger, 387 (1996–97)
Most Wins in a season: Norm Maracle
Norm Maracle
Norm Maracle is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender who played in the National Hockey League for the Detroit Red Wings and Atlanta Thrashers...
, 33 (2000–01)
Most Shutouts in a season: Norm Maracle
Norm Maracle
Norm Maracle is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender who played in the National Hockey League for the Detroit Red Wings and Atlanta Thrashers...
, 8 (2000–01)