MAITLAND, FLA – Two days ago, fans of the Orlando Solar Bears were told that the team’s president and CEO had decided to walk away from the franchise. Thursday afternoon there was more news but this time it was all good.
In conjunction with the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs, the Solar Bears announced that the affiliation between the two organizations has been renewed for the 2016-2017 season with an option for 2017-2018. The agreement means that the Solar Bears, the Leafs and the AHL’s Toronto Marlies will be working together for the fourth consecutive season.
“We are thrilled about the opportunity to continue our affiliation with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Marlies,” Orlando Chairman and CEO Joe Haleski said in a press release. “The players provided to us by both clubs will serve to enhance our efforts to bring a championship hockey team to Orlando.”
Toronto’s presence in Orlando, especially during the just ended season, has been a huge one. The 2015-2016 Solar Bears roster had no fewer than 16 different Toronto assigned players listed and played. That list included goalie Garret Sparks who started one game for Orlando in February after getting his first NHL start, win and shutout for the Maple Leafs on November 30th against Edmonton at the Air Canada Center in Toronto. Another former Marlie and Solar Bear, goalie Christopher Gibson, also made his NHL debut for the New York Islanders this season.
Several of the players the Leafs and Marlies assigned to Orlando saw time with the Marlies including Eric Faille, Brett Findlay, T.J. Foster, Rob Madore, James Martin, Ryan Rupert and Jack Rodewald. Three other Solar Bears – Eric Baier, Ryan Massa and Rylan Schwartz – all signed professional tryout (PTO) agreements and spent time in Toronto with the Marlies. The Marlies went on to post the best record in the AHL during the 2015-2016 regular season and are considered to be one of the top contenders to win the Calder Cup championship.
Throughout the affiliation, the Maple Leafs organization has been extremely complimentary of the Orlando franchise. The confidence shown by Toronto led to the 
large number of players sent to work on their skills under Solar Bears head coach Anthony Noreen and assistant coach John Snowden during the past season. It is expected that the commitment from the Maple Leafs will continue to be at “all in” levels.
“Our relationship with the Solar Bears has been very beneficial,” Maple Leafs assistant general manager/Marlies GM Kyle Dubas said. “There have been a number of played called up from Orlando who have helped contribute to a successful Marlies season. We’ve been extremely happy in the development of our prospects and in also working with head coach Anthony Noreen and the Orlando ownership and management.”
Contact the author at don.money@prohockeynews.com
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