ECHL Orlando Solar Bears

Solar Bears Add Blair, Palmisano

Published on September 20, 2012 under ECHL (ECHL)
Orlando Solar Bears News Release


Orlando, FL - The Orlando Solar Bears announced today that they have agreed to terms with defenseman Ryan Blair and goaltender Drew Palmisano.

Blair (6'4", 209 lbs.) is entering his second professional season after seeing action with three ECHL teams last year. He began the year playing three games with the Cincinnati Cyclones before moving on to Toledo, where he scored his first professional goal and added two assists in 28 games. Following his stint in Toledo, Blair skated in 25 games for the Reading Royals, notching one assist.

Prior to turning pro, the Ashburn, VA, native played four seasons with UMass-Lowell (NCAA) from 2007-2011. Blair compiled 36 points on three goals and 33 assists in 141 games with the Riverhawks, including playing in all 37 games as a freshman.

"Ryan is a solid stay-at-home defenseman who was able to get valuable experience in the ECHL last season," said Head Coach Drake Berehowsky. "His size is a great asset, and he will fit in well with the other big bodies we have on the roster."

Palmisano (5'10", 165 lbs.) starts off his professional career after four years with Michigan State University (NCAA). During his time with the Spartans, Palmisano played a total of 82 games with a 2.71 GAA and a .912 save percentage. As a sophomore in 2009-10, Palmisano collected a 15-10-4 record with a 2.44 GAA and .917 save percentage. That season, he was also selected as an NCAA Second Team All-Star.

The Ann Arbor, MI, native competed for two seasons in the USHL from 2006-08, winning the Clark Cup in 2007-08 and being named as the USHL Goaltender of the Year in 2006-07. He was honored as a Second Team All-Star both seasons.

"Drew is a quick goalie who has a ton of athleticism," said Head Coach Drake Berehowsky. "His numbers in college give are a testament to his ability."

The Orlando Solar Bears, the ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Minnesota Wild and AHL's Houston Aeros, are coming Out of Hibernation and will play 36 regular season home games at the 2012 Street and Smith's Sports Business Journal Sports Facility of the Year, the Amway Center, beginning October 20, 2012. Single game tickets are on sale now, with tickets starting as low as $15. To purchase your tickets, please visit www.OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.com or the Amway Center Box Office.

Follow the Solar Bears at www.OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.com, Facebook (facebook.com/OrlandoSolarBears) and Twitter (@OrlandoHockey) for all the latest news and updates.

Season ticket plans are available now. Everyone is invited to take advantage of the Orlando Solar Bears season ticket pre-sale offer by placing a $50 deposit per ticket now to receive seat selection priority. Full and half season ticket plans range in price from $225-$1480 per season ticket (includes facility fee), reflecting a savings of up to 42% off box office pricing. Call the Solar Bears at 407-951-8200 to speak to a Ticket Sales Account Manager.

Group tickets are a great way to entertain employees, co-workers, clients, friends and family. For more information on discounted group tickets and a list of group benefits, call 407-951-8200.

Check out the Orlando Solar Bears Statistics

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ECHL Stories from September 20, 2012


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