On Tuesday September 22nd, the Orlando Solar Bears announced the signing of Canadian forward Adam Rockwood. The two sides agreed to terms on a standard player contract for the upcoming season. Rockwood, 25-years-old, stays within the league’s South Division, going from the Hub City to the City Beautiful.
Rockwood began last season with the Springfield Thunderbirds in the AHL. In eight games with the organization, the centreman recorded two assists which made for two points while adding six penalty minutes. The rookie spent much of the season with the Greenville Swamp Rabbits where he was sent on a loan.
In 49 games with Greenville, Rockwood recorded nine goals along with 26 assists for 35 points. He also added 18 penalty minutes. Rockwood’s impressive rookie season saw him place seventh amongst all rookies in assists.
Although Rockwood carried his rookie status through the 2019-20 season, he did make his professional debut at the end of the 2018-19 season. Doing so with the Springfield Thunderbirds, Rockwood recorded one goal along with six assists for a total of seven points. He also added on two penalty minutes.
Prior to making the jump pro, Rockwood played collegiate hockey, splitting his career between Wisconsin and Northern Michigan. Through 141 games played, Rockwood recorded 20 goals along with 93 assists for 113 points. He also added 36 penalty minutes. Rockwood led the NCAA in 2017-18 with 40 assists.
Rockwood played junior hockey with the Coquitlam Express of the BCHL. Over the course of three seasons, the centreman recorded 19 goals along with 81 assists for 100 points. He did so in 107 games while also adding on 34 penalty minutes. During the 2013-14 season, the lefty led the BCHL, recording 61 assists in the regular season.
On Tuesday, Jesse Liebman sat down with the Canadian forward to discuss his signing. Rockwood detailed how he is looking to be a little more selfish this season from an offensive standpoint. Rockwood does so, explaining that he feels his pass first mentality can, at times, be detrimental.
He said that the coaching staff, facilities and his agent all drew him to signing with the team in Orlando. Adam Rockwood should be a pivotal cog in the Solar Bears offence in 2020-21, as his 35 points would have placed him in a tie for third place before the season was cancelled.