Solar Bears Defenseman Carl Nielsen Announces Retirement
October 6, 2015 - ECHL (ECHL)
Orlando Solar Bears News Release
ORLANDO, Fla. - The Orlando Solar Bears, proud affiliate of the NHL's Toronto Maple Leafs and AHL's Toronto Marlies, have announced that defenseman Carl Nielsen has retired from professional hockey.
"There's nowhere I'd rather play than Orlando," Nielsen said in a statement. "I only had the privilege to play there for one year, but it felt like home. I have always been appreciative of just how much the Solar Bears fanbase cares for the players."
Nielsen, 27, skated in 57 games with the Solar Bears during the 2014-15 season, recording 10 points (3g-7a) and leading the team with 134 penalty minutes and a plus-minus rating of +19. He was also recognized as the recipient of the Kevin L. Heller Sr. Memorial Award as the team's "Unsung Hero."
In 110 career professional games from 2013-15 with the Syracuse Crunch, Florida Everblades and Orlando, Nielsen posted 19 points (7g-12a) and 194 penalty minutes. Prior to turning pro, the Lorain, Ohio native completed a four-year collegiate career (2009-13) with Michigan Technological University, accumulating 20 points (4g-16a) and 155 penalty minutes in 140 career games for the Huskies.
"In just a short period of time, Carl quickly endeared himself to our fans both on and off the ice. He will be missed," Solar Bears President/CEO Jason Siegel said. "We wish him the best in his post-playing career."
The Solar Bears open their fourth season in the ECHL, presented by Auto Justice Attorney Michael T. Gibson, P.A. on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 7:00 p.m. at the Amway Center against the Greenville Swamp Rabbits. Single-game tickets for the 2015-16 season are on sale now and can be purchased for as little as $15 at the Amway Center Box Office or online at OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.com or Ticketmaster.com.
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