The Orlando Solar Bears made a big move on the eve of training camp, agreeing to a deal with leading rookie scorer, Tristin Langan. The two sides agreed to terms on a standard player contract for the upcoming season.
A native of Swan River, MB, Langan put some big numbers for the Solar Bears hockey club in 2019-20. The forward tallied 13 goals along with 24 assists which made for 37 points. He also added 34 penalty minutes with a +25 in just 45 games.
The +25 he achieved was also a team record for Orlando in plus/minus. Prior to joining the Solar Bears, the centreman skated in nine games in the AHL with the San Jose Barracuda. He would pick up an assist before his loan to Orlando.
Prior to making the jump pro, Langan played major junior with the Moose Jaw Warriors in the Western Hockey League. The winger’s scoring touch was quite evident, as he managed to tally 184 points on 78 goals and 106 assists. He did this in 241 games while also adding 132 penalty minutes.
The Canadian turned in a scintillating 2018-19 campaign, where he tied for the league lead in goals (53) while finishing second in assists (60) and points (113). His scoring prowess was just enough, as he was awarded with WHL (East) First All-Star team honours.
In other big news for Orlando, the Solar Bears announced the suspension of American defensemen Michael Brodzinski. He’s been removed from the hockey club’s roster, however, the suspension allows Orlando to maintain the rights to the right-handed shooter.
These are two significant moves for an Orlando team that’s now skating at training camp. The Solar Bears have two exhibition games scheduled on December 4th and 5th with the Florida Everblades. One week later, Orlando will be back down I-95 to battle the Everblades in Estero at Hertz Arena.
With such little time before the opener on December 12th, all eyes will be on which defensemen will step up for the Solar Bears to replace Michael Brodzinski. On this day, it seems that the hockey club starts skating at training camp with more questions than answers.