ECHL Orlando Solar Bears

Solar Bears and Marlies Swap Goalies

Published on November 19, 2013 under ECHL (ECHL)
Orlando Solar Bears News Release


Orlando, FL - The Orlando Solar Bears, proud affiliate of the NHL's Minnesota Wild and Toronto Maple Leafs and AHL's Iowa Wild and Toronto Marlies, announced today that G Christopher Gibson has been recalled the the American Hockey League's Toronto Marlies while G Garret Sparks has been assigned to Orlando from the Marlies. In a separate transaction, F Mike Ullrich has been loaned to the Manchester Monarchs of the AHL.

Sparks (6-3, 205 lbs.) was drafted in the seventh round, #190 overall, by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. He has played four games for the Marlies this season, posting a 0-3-0 record with a 4.10 GAA and .848 save percentage. He made his professional debut last season with the Marlies, going 2-0-1 with a 2.53 GAA and .895 save percentage. He spent his amateur days playing three seasons (2010-13) in the OHL with the Guelph Storm where he had a 2.97 GAA and .909 save percentage to go along with a 71-48-9 record. The Elmhurst, IL, native also won a gold medal with Team USA in the World Junior Championships Under-20 Division in 2012-13. (Photo Credit: TSGphoto.com)

Gibson has played seven games for Orlando this season, posting a 2-4-0 record with a 2.70 GAA and .901 save percentage. He earned his first professional win over the Gwinnett Gladiators on October 27.

Ullrich makes his first trip to the AHL after playing in 150 professional games in the ECHL and CHL (Central Hockey League). This season with the Solar Bears, Ullrich has 14 points on four goals and 10 assists in 14 games, tying him for the team lead. He has averaged nearly a point-per-game in his professional career with 137 points on 57 goals and 80 assists with Pensacola, Tulsa, South Carolina, Trenton, and Orlando.

Solar Bears Thanksgiving Day Game:

The Orlando Solar Bears are continuing a tradition from their IHL days this season, hosting the Greenville Road Warriors for a special 6:00 p.m. contest on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 28. Orlando will wear vintage jerseys during the game and there will be a Michael Jackson tribute performance. To get tickets, call 407-951-8200 or visit www.OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.com or www.Ticketmaster.com.

Check out the Orlando Solar Bears Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



ECHL Stories from November 19, 2013


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central