ECHL Orlando Solar Bears

Zach Harrison Acquired from Alaska

Published on September 5, 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 they have acquired forward Zach Harrison from the Alaska Aces in exchange for future considerations and they have agreed to terms with center Taylor Matson.

Harrison (5-11, 185 lbs.) skated in 71 regular season with games the Alaska Aces last season, notching 34 points on 14 goals and 20 assists. He also tallied 12 points (7 goals, 5 assists) in 11 playoff contests. Harrison joined the Aces for the start of the 2010-11 season, his first as a pro, and has been with Alaska ever since. In three seasons, he skated in 175 games scoring 27 goals and adding 52 assists for 79 points. Harrison helped Alaska collect the Brabham Cup, awarded to the ECHL club with the best record, in both the 2010-11 and 2012-13 seasons.

The Flint, MI, native played four seasons at Minnesota State University - Mankato prior to turning pro. He appeared in 152 games over those four seasons, finishing with 70 points on 26 goals and 44 assists. Harrison was named to the WCHA All-Academic Team following his senior campaign in 2009-10.

Matson (6-0, 190 lbs.) was drafted in the sixth round (#176 overall) by the Vancouver Canucks in the 2007 NHL Draft. He made his professional debut at the tail end of the 2011-12 season, playing in five regular season (1 goal, 1 assist) and five playoff games (1 assist) for the Chicago Wolves.

Prior to turning pro, Matson played four seasons for the University of Minnesota, including serving as the captain of the team during his senior season in 2011-12. That year, he notched a career high 23 points on eight goals and 15 assists while appearing in 43 games. The native of Mound, MN, played 108 games as a Golden Gopher, scoring 42 points on 21 goals and 21 assists and was named to the WCHA All-Academic Team in 2009-10, 2010-11, and 2011-12.

"Harrison is coming off a strong playoff last season and is a player who will bring depth at our center position. He has great speed and is very strong on draws. His versatility will be an asset to our organization," said Head Coach Vince Williams. "Matson brings energy, speed, and puck pressure to our line up. He has good overall skill and plays the game hard."

The Solar Bears have agreed to terms with 20 players for the 2013-14 season:

Forwards:

Defensemen:

Goalies:

Kyle Beattie

Marshall Everson

Zach Harrison

Jacob Lagace

Taylor Matson

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

Orlando Solar Bears individual game tickets for the 2013-14 season go on sale on Tuesday, September 10, at 8:00 a.m. Tickets can be purchased at the Amway Center Box Office or online at OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.com or Ticketmaster.com.

The Orlando Solar Bears, the ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Minnesota Wild and Toronto Maple Leafs and AHL's Iowa Wild and Toronto Marlies, play all of their home games at the 2012 Street and Smith's Sports Business Journal Sports Facility of the Year, the Amway Center.

Follow the Solar Bears at www.OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.com, Facebook, and Twitter (@OrlandoHockey) for all the latest news and updates. Stay in touch with Shades on Instagram by following ShadestheSolarBear.

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