The Orlando Solar Bears announced they have acquired 19 players from the Toronto Marlies training camp roster completing their own roster.
The Orlando Solar Bears announced they have acquired 19 players from Toronto Marlies training camp to complete their training camp roster as they prepare for next Saturday’s season opener.
Among those players were six players who received training camp invites to the Marlies in key returning player Eric Baier, rookie goalie Ryan Massa, and newcomers Reggie Traccitto and Joe Basaraba. You can read more about them in the full review of the Solar Bears’ returning roster from yesterday.
The biggest player making his way down from the Marlies is Eric Faille. Faille scored 27 goals and dished out 27 assists for the Fort Wayne Komets of the ECHL last year. He was +4 in 12 playoff games for Fort Wayne too. Orlando acquired Faille’s rights in August when he signed with the Marlies. It is very realistic Faille could bounce between the ECHL and AHL after playing a few games in San Antonio last year. He should figure to be a key forward for Orlando as the team starts the season.
A big returner to the Solar Bears is forward Brett Findlay. Yesterday we wrote it is likely Findlay could stick with the Marlies. He would be a prime candidate to bounce between the two teams depending on circumstances and how he plays. Last season, Findlay had 18 goals and 23 assists for the Solar Bears. His familiarity should make him a leader for this team.
Defender Max Nicastro also is returning to the Solar Bears. He scored eight goals and five assists for the Solar Bears last season, posting a -1 during the regular season. Forward Brady Vail also returns to the Solar Bears after scoring 15 goals and 14 assists last year with the team. Patrick Watling also returns after scoring 11 goals and 14 assists for the Solar Bears last year.
Among the other players making their way to Orlando are several intriguing rookies making their professional or North American debuts.
Erik Bradford scored a goal in his three appearances with the Marlies last year. He played the majority of his season with the Ottawa 67s and Owen Sound Attack of the Ontario Hockey League. He recorded 28 goals and 45 assists for the two teams, more or less splitting his season with those two teams. The rookie will have the opportunity to show his stuff at the ECHL letter as most ECHL players do.
Another such player is Christopher Clapperton. Clapperton played for Rimouski Oceanic of the QMJHL where he scored 35 goals and 41 assists. It was his second 30-goal seasons in the past three years in the QMJHL.
T.J. Foster will start his professional career with the Solar Bears after recording 18 goals and 24 assists for the University of Alberta last year. Jack Rodewald played nine games for the Marlies last year after scoring 35 goals and 50 assists for the Moose Jaw Warriors of the WHL.
Matt Rupert brings some championship experience with him. Before he spent nine games with the Marlies last year, he won two titles with the London Knights in 2012 and 2013. His role grew pretty significantly since then. He had 30 goals and 45 assists in the OHL last year before getting the call up to the Marlies.
This is a young group that has earned their stripes and earned an opportunity to show their stuff at the ECHL level. This is what the league is all about. There is undoubtedly a good mix of talent, promise and experience on this roster to grow from.
The season starts Oct. 17 against Greenville.
