On Friday, August 14th, the Orlando Solar Bears announced the re-signing of rookie forward Matt Alvaro. The two sides agreed to terms on a standard player contract for the upcoming season. Alvaro, 24-years-old, appeared in a single contest with the team last season on March 11th when they took on the Stingrays. This of course taking place before the season was cancelled due to COVID-19.
Prior to turning pro, Alvaro played collegiate hockey over four seasons spanned at the University of Vermont. Overall, with the Catamounts hockey program, Alvaro racked up 18 goals along with 33 assists in 123 games played. While adding on 78 penalty minutes, this made for a total of 51 points. Alvaro was part of Vermont’s leadership in his junior and senior years as an alternate captain.
Alvaro, a native of Toronto, played his junior hockey in the United States Hockey League where the forward skated for the Youngstown Phantoms. During his two seasons with the Phantoms, Alvaro played in 118 games, compiling 21 goals along with 42 assists. While adding 101 penalty minutes, this made for a total of 63 points. As for his second season, Alvaro served as captain of the Phantoms.
During a digital interview with Orlando broadcaster Jesse Liebman, Alvaro said he has been using the extended break to strengthen his game and rest up from some nagging injuries. When asked what brought Alvaro back to the Solar Bears after just one game, Alvaro said that his speed, tenacity and ability to win battles led the Orlando management to reach out to him for a return. The Solar Bears will certainly be looking to utilize Alvaro’s speed and smaller stature to set up the team’s high scorers during the upcoming campaign.