Orlando, FL - The Orlando Solar Bears, proud affiliates of the NHL's Minnesota Wild and Toronto Maple Leafs and AHL's Iowa Wild and Toronto Marlies, announced today that Brad Tapper has been named as the team's assistant coach.
"Brad is a great addition to the Orlando Solar Bears coaching staff and organization," said Head Coach Vince Williams. "He will be a valuable asset to the personal and professional growth of our players."
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Tapper and Williams have a combined 18 years playing and coaching in the ECHL and collectively have played or coached on six championship teams.
Tapper played in 47 games (45 regular season and 2 playoff games) for the Solar Bears during their 2000-01 Turner Cup Championship season, his first as a pro. That season, he also appeared in 16 games for the Atlanta Thrashers (NHL), notching two goals and three assists. He went on to play in 71 NHL games from 2000-2003, totaling 25 points on 14 goals and 11 assists. His professional playing career spanned nine seasons across the NHL, IHL (International Hockey League), AHL (American Hockey League), and DEL (Germany). He also won championships as a member of the Chicago Wolves (2002 Calder Cup) and for Team Canada (2008 Deutschland Cup).
The Scarborough, ON, native began his tenure as an assistant coach for the Florida Everblades in 2010-11 and served in that capacity for the last three seasons, including winning a Kelly Cup in 2011-12. Prior to his time with Florida, Tapper was the Head Coach for the North York Rangers in the Central Canada Hockey League.