Defenseman Chris Bradley joins Solar Bears for first full season

Rookie blueliner played 12 games for Orlando in 2016-17

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Solar Bears, an affiliate of the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs and the AHL’s Toronto Marlies, have announced that the club has agreed to terms with rookie defenseman Chris Bradley for the 2016-17 season.

Bradley, 23, joined the Solar Bears on an amateur tryout agreement on March 16, before signing a standard player contract on March 25. In 12 games with the Solar Bears, Bradley picked up one goal and two assists, and his plus-minus rating of plus-6 over that span led the team.

Recommended Videos



“I was very impressed with Chris’ effort once he joined our team in the spring,” Solar Bears head coach Anthony Noreen said. “We gave him heavy minutes and he thrived in that role as a responsible, puck-moving defenseman. I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do in his first full season of pro hockey.”

Prior to turning pro, the 6-foot-2, 205-pound blueliner played college hockey for Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where he completed his senior season with eight points (2g-6a) and four penalty minutes in 40 games. His 98 blocked shots led the ECAC and were the fourth highest in the nation. Over his entire collegiate career, Bradley racked up 35 points (9g-26a) and 22 penalty minutes in 145 games for the Engineers.

“I’m thrilled and honored to have signed back with Orlando,” Bradley said. “To play in an organization and community that cares so much about its players is special. I’m grateful for this opportunity and I am looking forward to a fun and successful season.”

The Williamsville, New York, native also played junior hockey for the Youngstown Phantoms of the U.S. Hockey League, where Noreen served as head coach during Bradley's final season in 2011-12. In two seasons with the Phantoms, Bradley posted 33 points (10g-23a) and 20 penalty minutes in 113 games.

The Solar Bears drop the puck on their fifth season of ECHL hockey on Oct. 22 against the Florida Everblades at the Amway Center. On-sale dates for the purchase of single-game tickets will be announced later this summer. Full and half-season ticket plans are now available by visiting OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.com.