Solar Bears Bring In High Scoring Forward
August 19, 2013 - ECHL (ECHL)
Orlando Solar Bears News Release
Orlando, FL - The Orlando Solar Bears, proud affiliates of the NHL's Minnesota Wild and Toronto Maple Leafs organizations, announced today that they have agreed to terms with forward David Rutherford and defenseman Jake Areshenko.
Rutherford (5-9, 180 lbs.) has scored 95 goals in 209 games over the last four seasons. He divided last season between the Charlotte Checkers of the American Hockey League (AHL) and the Florida Everblades. He averaged over a point per game with Florida, scoring 16 goals and adding 22 assists for 38 points in 36 games. With Charlotte, Rutherford notched one goal and six assists in 18 games. He spent the entire 2011-12 season with Florida, picking up 55 points (25 goals, 30 assists) in 57 games. On route to a Kelly Cup Championship with Florida, he scored five goals and added seven assists for 12 points in 17 games. Rutherford played two straight seasons (2009-11) for the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs of the Central Hockey League (CHL) where he finished with 105 points on 53 goals and 53 assists in 99 games. In the 2010-11 season, he led the Mudbugs in playoff scoring with 12 goals and 10 assists in 20 games while helping Bossier-Shreveport collect the CHL Championship. He was also named a CHL All-Star that season.
The Ladner, BC, native began his professional career in 2008-09, where he appeared in 52 games for the Charlotte Checkers (ECHL) and 12 games for the Phoenix Roadrunners (ECHL). Prior to joining the professional ranks, Rutherford played three seasons (2005-08) in the Western Hockey League (WHL), helping the Vancouver Giants to a WHL championship in 2005-06 and winning the Memorial Cup in 2007-08 as a member of the Spokane Chiefs.
Rutherford's resume boasts a Kelly Cup (ECHL), President's Cup (CHL), Memorial Cup (Canadian Hockey League), and Chynoweth Cup (WHL).
Areshenko (6-0, 201 lbs.) enters his rookie season after appearing in three regular season games and three playoff games for the South Carolina Stingrays last season. He spent the previous four seasons (2009-13) with Bemidji State (NCAA), including being named an alternate captain for the Beavers during the 20011-12 season. In 144 NCAA games, Areshenko recorded 156 PIM along with four goals and 20 assists. Hailing from Port Coquitlam, BC, Areshenko played one season in the United States Hockey League (USHL) for the Fargo Force in 2008-09. In 58 games, he had 125 PIM and finished with eight points (2 goals, 6 assists).
"Rutherford is a proven winner at this level," said Head Coach Vince Williams. "He has won a championship and knows what it takes to be successful. He is a valuable addition to our offense and leadership core. Jake is a young defenseman that brings a physical element and presence to our D core."
The Solar Bears have agreed to terms with 18 players for the 2013-14 season:
Kyle Beattie
Marshall Everson
Jacob Lagace
Tyler Murovich
Michael Neal
David Rutherford
C.J. Severyn
Ian Slater
Scott Tanski
Mike Ullrich
Bryce Aneloski
Jake Areshenko
Eric Baier
Paul Baier
Ryan Blair
Corey Fienhage
Joe Marciano
Cody Wild
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