Minor league hockey returns to Orlando in 2012

by John Fontana on Nov 16, 2011 5:47 PM EST in The Minors

In 2001, the International Hockey League, which co-existed with the AHL as the top-tier minor league for NHL teams, folded. The fate of it's teams were mixed. Some, like the Chicago Wolves, Milwaukee Admirals and Utah Grizzlies, joined the rival American Hockey League and kept on going. Others, like the 2000-2001 Turner Cup champion Orlando Solar Bears, outright ceased operations.

It appears the Solar Bears did not get shot and stuffed on an economic mantle with other defunct franchises though. They were just in extended hibernation.

On Tuesday, the ECHL - the minor league that operates below the AHL -- announced that Orlando would be home to an expansion hockey team starting in 2012. The franchise will be known as the Solar Bears and will play its games in Amway Center. San Francisco also has a team starting play in 2012, named the Bulls.

The Solar Bears become Florida's second current ECHL franchise. The Florida Everblades have been operating in Estero since 1998. Florida has also hosted several ECHL affiliates in the past, including the Tallahassee Tiger Sharks, the Jacksonville Lizard Kings, the Miami Matadors, and Pensacola Ice Pilots.

The Lightning currently have an affiliation with the Everblades. They share that affiliation with the Carolina Hurricanes.

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As an East Coaster

I’m really excited about this. Liked the Solar Bears growing up and hope version 2.0 will be just as successful

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by Ken DeCelles on Nov 16, 2011 5:56 PM EST reply actions

Interesting news

Growing up playing travel hockey in the 90’s, in Florida… we often played against the Orlando Jr. Solar Bears. As well as, the Jr. Lightning in Clearwater & Jr. Panthers in Sunrise..to name a few. So, this is a welcome blast from the past. Remember their logos being pretty hilarious.. A polar (or solar) bear wearing sun glasses holding a stick.

Wonder if the Bolt’s recent preseason game held in Orlando, helped this process along, one would think so. Either way.. welcome back from hibernation, Solar Bears!! Long live Florida Hockey!!

Let's GO..Wings, Tigers, Lions, Wolverines (oh my!) & Bolts!!!! (RIP Cory Smoot aka Flattus Maximus of GWAR)

by Let's JOE WINGS-BOLTS on Nov 17, 2011 9:43 AM EST reply actions

That’s pretty cool. Should one assume they’ll be affiliated to the Bolts?

Following the Lightning from Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil.
Let's. Go. BOLTS!

by Rafael Amarante on Nov 17, 2011 10:27 AM EST reply actions

Can’t assume anything right now. As far as we know the Pantehrs will affiliate with them first. The Lightning already share the affiliation with the Everblades. That’s not exactly a bad deal, though the Bolts only supply a few players (3 this season). The Eerblades are due wouth of Tampa.

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by John Fontana on Nov 17, 2011 11:54 AM EST up reply actions