ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Solar Bears have agreed to terms with rookie defenseman Ben Danford for the 2016-17 season, the team announced Tuesday.
Danford, 27, spent last season overseas with Kristianstads IK of Sweden’s Hockeyettan, posting four assists and 20 penalty minutes in 26 games. The 6-foot, 185-pound defenseman has also played professionally in France and patrolled the blueline for three games with the Manchester Monarchs of the AHL in 2013-14. In total, he has 19 points (7g-12a) and 34 penalty minutes in 48 pro games.
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“Ben Danford is a reliable defenseman who excels at moving the puck,” Solar Bears head coach Anthony Noreen said. “He will be a guy who can help us in all three zones.”
Before turning pro, Danford completed a decorated four-year collegiate career with Canisius College, where he was coached by former IHL Solar Bears player Dave Smith. In 158 games with the Golden Griffins program, the Stillwater, Minnesota, native recorded 84 points (10g-74a) and 114 penalty minutes while helping Canisius capture the AHA conference title in 2012-13. Danford led all Canisius defensemen in scoring in each of his four seasons and never missed a single game in his career, the longest streak in the school’s history and also the 13th longest in NCAA history.
“I’m honored to become part of the Solar Bears. I’ve heard nothing but great things about the coaching staff and the outstanding community support,” Danford said. “The team’s values align perfectly with what I’m looking for on and off the ice, and I’m excited to get the season underway.”
Danford also played junior hockey in the NAHL with the Southern Minnesota Express, Motor City Machine, North Iowa Outlaws and Bismarck Bobcats, picking up the NAHL’s Robertson Cup championship with Bismarck in 2009-10. In 148 career NAHL contests, the blueliner earned 50 points (18g-32a) and 100 penalty minutes.