On Thursday, October 1st, the Orlando Solar Bears announced the re-signing of American forward Taylor Cammarata. The two sides agreed to terms on a standard player contract for the upcoming season.
Cammarata proved to be a spark plug for the Solar Bears after his acquisition on January 14th in a three team deal with the Mariners and Steelheads. In 28 games with Orlando, Cammarata recorded eight goals along with nine assists for 17 points. Orlando owned a 10-4-1-0 record in games which Cammarata posted at least one point.
The centreman enters his fourth pro season while playing with his fifth team in the ECHL. Aside from Orlando, he’s also seen time with the Mariners, Admirals, Thunder and Stingrays. In 173 ECHL games, Cammarata has recorded 50 goals along with 76 assists for 126 points. He’s also compiled 60 penalty minutes.
Along with his career stat line, the native of Plymouth has added 60 penalty minutes. As well, he took home MVP honours during the ECHL All-Star Classic in 2018. During the tournament, he recorded five goals along with two assists for a total of seven points.
Prior to making the jump pro, Cammarata spanned four seasons playing with the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the NCAA. The forward played collegiate hockey alongside Orlando defensemen Michael Brodzinski. Throughout his 149 games, Cammarata has amassed 93 points, scoring 25 goals along with 68 assists. He’s also added 36 penalty minutes.
From 2013-2017, the Golden Gophers won the Big Ten championship in all four years Cammarata competed with them. In 2014-15, they won the Big Ten playoff championship while making an appearance in the Frozen Four championship game. That was back in 2013-14.
Cammarata played junior hockey in the USHL with the Waterloo Black Hawks. In 119 games with Waterloo, Cammarata recorded 65 goals along with 97 assists for 162 points. He won rookie of the year while leading the Black Hawks to the Clark Cup Final in 2011-2012. The following year, he was a third round selection (76th overall) of the New York Islanders.
While speaking with Jesse Liebman, public address voice of the Orlando Solar Bears, Cammarata talked about having some dental surgery this offseason and feeling much better physically as we approach the new season. Cammarata reflected on his clutch overtime goal on February 15th against the Norfolk Admirals. This was to complete a two goal comeback in the final minute. Orlando will certainly be counting on him to continue his propensity for clutch goals come December.