Orlando Solar Bears Audio Network: Recent Episodes
Orlando Solar Bears
On this episode of Bear Tracks, presented by Pink Whitney by New Amsterdam Vodka, we're joined by Chris Bradley, who joined the Solar Bears late in the 2015-16 season out of R.P.I. and returned to Orlando for his first and only full professional season in 2016-17. Chris discusses his upbringing in Western New York, his time in Youngstown in the USHL, representing Team USA on the international stage, his time as the big man on campus in Troy, New York, and his current day-to-day in the medical sales industry and his life as a father of two young girls.
On the latest episode of Bear Tracks, presented by Pink Whitney by New Amsterdam Vodka, we catch up with former Solar Bears forward Nicklas Lindberg, who joined Orlando during the 2015-16 campaign for what would be the final season of his playing career. He discusses growing up in Sweden and making his transition to North America in the mid-2000s, where he got his start in the ECHL for the Pensacola Ice Pilots, his friendships along the way with several veteran minor league players who also suited up for the Solar Bears and his current work as a skills development coach and living in Florida as a happily married father of two.
On this episode of Bear Tracks, presented by Pink Whitney by New Amsterdam Vodka, we're joined by former Solar Bears forward Alex Gacek, who led the team in scoring during his three-month tenure with the club as a rookie during the 2016-17 season. The New Englander talks about his upbringing, including his lobster-fishing side hustle as youngster, playing for the "Brotherhood" at Miami University, realizing his dream of suiting up for his hometown Boston Bruins in an NHL preseason game and his current role as an assistant coach at Wentworth Institute of Technology.
On the latest episode of Bear Tracks, presented by Pink Whitney by New Amsterdam Vodka, we're joined by David Fine, broadcaster of the Iowa Heartlanders as NHL free agency opens this week, and we look at some of the early names to have signed with new teams.
While the Solar Bears are in Las Vegas for ECHL summer meetings, we catch up with Orlando Solar Bears head coach Matt Carkner and get his thoughts on becoming the next bench boss for the club.
On this week's episode of Bear Tracks, presented by Pink Whitney by New Amsterdam Vodka, we are joined by ECHL senior vice president of hockey operations, Joe Ernst, who has been involved with the league for over three decades. He discusses his upbringing in western New York and his time as a member of the Buffalo Sabres equipment staff, his longtime work as a veteran of over 1,000 games refereed in the ECHL, and the current state of officiating in the game of hockey today.
On this week's episode of Bear Tracks, presented by Pink Whitney by New Amsterdam Vodka, we're joined by Solar Bears season ticket account executive Sheyla Junqueira, who discusses how she established a love of hockey as a child of immigrant parents, and hockey's continued growth and presence within the LGBTQ+ community.
On this week's episode of Bear Tracks, presented by Pink Whitney by New Amsterdam Vodka, Jesse is joined by J.M. Piotrowski, who registered his first career ECHL point with an assist in his lone game for the Solar Bears this season, then went on to capture an SPHL President's Cup with the Peoria Rivermen, notching the cup-clinching goal for Peoria earlier this month. Piotrowski's family ties to the Solar Bears are also discussed, along with the current TV trends in the Stanley Cup Playoffs along with his new clothing line.
On this week's episode of Bear Tracks, presented by Pink Whitney by New Amsterdam Vodka, Solar Bears president Chris Heller joins us for the opening segment to provide an update on the search for the club's next head coach, while this episode's guest is defenseman Bryce Aneloski, who skated with the Solar Bears from 2013-15 and established himself as one of Orlando's best two-way defensemen after attempting to break into the lineup as a rookie.
On the latest episode of Bear Tracks, presented by Pink Whitney by New Amsterdam Vodka, Jesse and Adam recap the 2021-22 season, and delve into the experience of working the 2022 ECHL All-Star Classic in Jacksonville, and debate Adam's All-Decade team for the Solar Bears.
On this week's episode of Bear Tracks, presented by Pink Whitney by New Amsterdam Vodka, we're joined by defenseman Chris Harpur, who joined the Solar Bears in mid-March as he began his professional career after wrapping up a five-year stretch at Niagara University. The defenseman talks about his Australian heritage on his mother's side, his relationship with his older brother (NHL defenseman Ben Harpur) and how he has juggled adapting from college hockey to the professional ranks while completing his graduate degree in sports management.
On this week's episode of Bear Tracks, presented by Pink Whitney by New Amsterdam Vodka, we're joined by forward Brian Bowen, acquired by the team just prior to the ECHL trade deadline. While the forward is sidelined by an injury after appearing in four games to begin his Solar Bears career, we talk about the winding road that has brought him to a breakout season of over 20 goals in the ECHL.
On this week's episode of Bear Tracks, presented by Pink Whitney by New Amsterdam Vodka, Jesse is joined by one of the latest acquisitions of the Solar Bears, forward Ross Olsson. The Massachusetts native talks about his whirlwind junior career, coming back home to be part of a brand new college program at Endicott College, his love of golf and an attempt to settle the timeless debate of whether or not a hot dog is a sandwich.
Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Odeen Tufto joins us on this week's edition of Bear Tracks, presented by Pink Whitney by New Amsterdam Vodka. Tufto, a former captain at Quinnipiac University, signed with the Lightning in the spring of 2021, and scored a goal and two assists in his first game with the Solar Bears in mid-January. The Chaska, Minnesota native discusses his upbringing, his time winning a state championship in high school, his love of the Austin Powers movies, and his musical talent.
On this week's episode of Bear Tracks, presented by Pink Whitney by New Amsterdam Vodka, we're joined by rookie forward Jackson Keane, who joined the Solar Bears for his first full season of pro hockey after getting into nine games with the Wheeling Nailers following a three-year stint at the University of North Dakota. The son of three-time Stanley Cup champion Mike Keane, Jackson talks about his time growing up in Winnipeg, his friendship with Solar Bears teammate Odeen Tufto and how he has adjusted to the ups and downs of pro hockey.
On this week's episode of Bear Tracks, presented by Pink Whitney by New Amsterdam Vodka, we're joined by Craig LeVasseur, who has been with the Solar Bears organization for each of the past 10 seasons - having worked as a game-night locker room attendant, assistant equipment manager and even as the team's emergency backup goaltender.
On this week's episode of Bear Tracks, presented by Pink Whitney by New Amsterdam Vodka, we're joined by Joe Babik, director of communications for the ECHL. The 2007-08 broadcaster of the year was behind the microphone for two former ECHL clubs, the Pee Dee Pride and Fresno Falcons, and talks about how the league has evolved, how he helps maintain the league's brand as the premier Double-A hockey league in North America and crisis management.
On this week's episode of Bear Tracks, presented by Pink Whitney by New Amsterdam Vodka, we're joined by Orlando Solar Bears defenseman Steven Oleksy. The former NHL blueliner discusses his time at the major league level, how he got his start in pro hockey after college, what he did with his day with the Stanley Cup, and his entrepreneurial spirit.
On this week's episode of Bear Tracks, presented by Pink Whitney by New Amsterdam Vodka, we catch up with Chris Crane, who joined the Solar Bears early the 2016-17 season and helped the team qualify for the Kelly Cup Playoffs in both seasons in Orlando. After retiring following the 2019-20 season, Crane has settled into civilian life, where he works for the United States defense department alongside the United States Air Force, continuing in his family's long tradition of involvement with the armed forces.
In this week's episode of Bear Tracks, presented by Pink Whitney by New Amsterdam Vodka, Cody Donaghey checks in from the city of Kladno in the Czech Republic, where he is currently playing alongside his team's owner, NHL legend Jaromir Jagr.
Adam Phillips is this week's guest on Bear Tracks, presented by Pink Whitney by New Amsterdam Vodka. The defenseman patrolled the blue line for the Orlando Solar Bears during the 2017-18 season, and was part of the first Solar Bears squad to advance to the second round of the Kelly Cup Playoffs when that group swept the South Carolina Stingrays that spring. After hanging up his skates the following season, Phillips became an assistant coach with the NAHL's Odessa Jackalopes, before being elevated to interim head coach just prior to the pandemic. After accepting an assistant coaching position with NCAA Division III program Adrian College the following summer, Phillips has helped guide the Bulldogs to a 20-game winning streak, with Adrian entering this week ranked as the No. 1 program in the nation.
The Orlando Solar Bears have hit the halfway mark of the 2021-22 season and now get set to dig into a busy home schedule this week, starting with a game against the Mountain Division-leading Utah Grizzlies as part of Pink Whitney Night. We're joined on this week of Bear Tracks presented by Pink Whitney by New Amsterdam Vodka with Solar Bears rookie skater Braydon Barker, who began the season on defense but has since been converted to forward and has enjoyed his new role in his first year of professional hockey.
After pushing a season-high winning streak to five games last week, the Solar Bears now head north to Portland to take on the Maine Mariners. On this week's episode of Bear Tracks, presented by Pink Whitney by New Amsterdam Vodka, we're joined by Hunter Fejes, who returned to the Solar Bears in December after spending the last two and a half seasons in Europe. The forward recounts some of his experiences overseas, along with what it's like growing up in Alaska as part of a unique hockey community, and gives Jesse travel tips for the Alaska wilderness.
After over a week between games, the Orlando Solar Bears have gotten back to work, winning a Monday night clash with the South Carolina Stingrays and have now won four straight. On this episode of Bear Tracks, presented by Pink Whitney by New Amsterdam Vodka, we catch up with forward Jake Transit, who joined the Solar Bears out of Ferris State University in mid-December and promptly found the back of the net in his first two games. Jake shares his hockey journey from Michigan to what the past month has been like since making the jump to pro hockey.
As we ring in the New Year on Bear Tracks, presented by Pink Whitney by New Amsterdam Vodka, Jesse Liebman recaps the bounce-back week the Solar Bears enjoyed, winning all three games against their opponents, while Hunter Fejes earned ECHL Player of the Week honors and Hugo Alnefelt made his NHL debut. Jesse is joined by Solar Bears defenseman Andrew McLean, and the two discuss his hockey journey from Michigan, along with his love of metal, his pre-game workout routine, and his love of skateboarding.
On this week's episode of Bear Tracks, presented by Pink Whitney by New Amsterdam Vodka, we're joined by Nick Niedert, who suited up as the Solar Bears backup goaltender on November 7, 2012 - a brief stop in a minor league playing career that stretched across 17 seasons with dozens of teams across multiple leagues. Niedert has since traded his skates for a whistle, now serving as head coach of the SPHL expansion Vermilion County Bobcats.
On this week's episode of Bear Tracks, presented by Pink Whitney by New Amsterdam Vodka, the Solar Bears head out to Texas where they will swing through the Mountain Division and take on the Allen Americans and Tulsa Oilers to complete a six-game road trip. Host Jesse Liebman is joined by forward Steenn Pasichnuk, and the two discuss Pasichnuk's time growing up in Alberta, the importance of family, his first two years of professional hockey, practicing on a line with an NHLer and his latest interest in the stock market and cryptocurrencies.
Defenseman Eric Drapluk hops on this week's episode of Bear Tracks, presented by Pink Whitney by New Amsterdam Vodka, Drapluk patrolled the Solar Bears blue line during the 2019-20 season, his final in pro hockey after spending the rest of his career with the Tulsa Oilers. Now retired and back in his hometown of Pembroke Pines, the Florida native talks about his path to pro hockey, and his current career in the solar energy industry.
On the latest episode of Bear Tracks, presented by Pink Whitney by New Amsterdam Vodka, forward Tyler Murovich hops on the podcast, to talk about his upbringing and the explosion of hockey in his native Pittsburgh, along with his time with the Solar Bears between the 2013-15 seasons.
We wish you a happy Thanksgiving for this episode of Bear Tracks, presented by Pink Whitney by New Amsterdam Vodka. Play-by-play broadcaster Jesse Liebman is joined by former Solar Bears forward and Satellite Beach, Florida native Ian Slater, who spent the 2013-14 season with the club, where he set a then single-season record for the team with 155 penalty minutes. The two discuss Ian's Florida upbringing, his early mentors in his hockey career, how the relationship with his coach in Trenton brought him to Orlando, the experience of playing in front of family and friends and more, including his retired life in Key West.
As the Solar Bears prepare to host the Maine Mariners, we catch up with former defenseman and captain Carl Nielsen on this week's episode of Bear Tracks, presented by Pink Whitney by New Amsterdam Vodka. Now retired from his playing days, Carl has returned to his hometown of Lorain, Ohio, where he is now runs the family jewelry business that has existed for several generations. We catch up with Carl to recount his time in Orlando after beginning his ECHL career with the rival Florida Everblades, the personalities in the locker room during the 2014-15 All-Star season, how a hockey romance blossomed thanks to the matchmaking of a former teammate and what it's like to be involved in the jewelry industry.
As the Orlando Solar Bears are in the middle of a five games in six days stretch, Jesse Liebman catches up with former Solar Bears forward Tayler Thompson, now playing overseas in the United Kingdom for the Manchester Storm, in the latest episode of Bear Tracks presented by Pink Whitney by New Amsterdam Vodka. Since last suiting up for Orlando in 2019-20, Thompson, a fan favorite during his time in Orlando, has gotten married and welcomed the birth of his daughter.
On this week's episode of Bear Tracks, presented by Pink Whitney by New Amsterdam Vodka, Jesse is joined by goaltender Brad Barone, who joined the team just prior to opening night of the 2021-22 season and is slated to get his first start this week as the Solar Bears are in Norfolk for a two-game set with the Admirals.
On this week's episode of the Bear Tracks podcast, presented by Pink Whitney by New Amsterdam Vodka, Jesse catches up with defenseman Sam Jardine, a member of the 2017-18 Solar Bears squad that advanced to the second round of the Kelly Cup Playoffs for the first time in franchise history. Sam is currently playing overseas in Slovakia for the Bratislava Capitals of the central European ICEHL and shares his experience in Orlando and the current season, along with some recent hobbies he has picked up.
As the Solar Bears prepare for the start of the 2021-22 season, play-by-play host is joined by one of the newest members of the team's defense, ECHL veteran Chad Duchesne, on the latest episode of Bear Tracks, presented by Pink Whitney by New Amsterdam Vodka.
In the latest episode of Bear Tracks, presented by Pink Whitney by New Amsterdam Vodka, Jesse Liebman is joined by Solar Bears ticket account executive Christa Hinn, who grew up attending games of the original IHL Solar Bears and skating at the RDV Sportsplex. A half-Canadian and ardent Toronto Maple Leafs fan, Christa has dove headfirst into working in professional hockey since originally starting as an intern with the Solar Bears.
The latest episode of Bear Tracks, presented by Pink Whitney, is one you definitely don't want to miss. As training camp for the 2021-22 season prepares to open for the Orlando Solar Bears, Jesse Liebman is joined by forward Dylan Fitze, who has joined the Solar Bears for his second stint with Orlando after previously suiting up for the club from 2018-20. The two talk about his initial tenure with the Solar Bears, how he got through a pandemic season without a team to play for, what he was listening to in his car on the drive back to Orlando, how he'd replace the shootout.
In this episode of Bear Tracks presented by Pink Whitney by New Amsterdam Vodka, we catch up with defenseman Brenden Miller, who began his professional career with the Solar Bears between 2015-17 while a prospect in the Toronto Maple Leafs development system. In his sophomore year, Miller set a single-season club record for goals by a defenseman with Orlando, and has since seen his career take him across several ECHL clubs, as well as overseas.
Brock Montgomery played for the Orlando Solar Bears over the course of two stints with the club in 2014-15 and 2016-17. The former Solar Bears forward joins Jesse Liebman for this week's episode of Bear Tracks, presented by Pink Whitney by New Amsterdam Vodka, to reflect on the grind of playing in the ECHL, along with his experiences of traveling throughout Europe and throughout the world as part of his new outdoor lifestyle company.
On this week's episode of Bear Tracks, presented by Pink Whitney by New Amsterdam Vodka, Jesse is joined by former Solar Bears goaltender Rob Madore, who played the majority of his final season of pro hockey with Orlando in 2015-16.
Orlando Solar Bears vice president of ticket operations and client services Chris Carmichael joins Jesse Liebman on this week's episode of Bear Tracks, presented by Pink Whitney by New Amsterdam Vodka. The two discuss Carmichael's decade with the Solar Bears organization as the team approaches its 10th season of ECHL competition.
On this episode of Bear Tracks, presented by Pink Whitney by New Amsterdam Vodka, Tyler Bird joins the show after signing for this third season with the Orlando Solar Bears.
In this episode of Bear Tracks, presented by Pink Whitney by New Amsterdam Vodka, Solar Bears play-by-play broadcaster Jesse Liebman is joined in-studio by defenseman Alexander Kuqali, who is spending the week as a guest instructor at the Solar Bears youth hockey camp at the RDV Sportsplex. The two talk about the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the growth of hockey in Florida, Kuqali's travel plans this summer and what lies ahead for the defenseman.
On this episode of Bear Tracks, presented by Pink Whitney by New Amsterdam Vodka, Solar Bears play-by-play voice Jesse Liebman is joined by defenseman Alex Gudbranson, who played for the Solar Bears during the 2017-18 season and won a Kelly Cup the following year with the Newfoundland Growlers. The former blueliner has announced his retirement from professional hockey and is now pursuing a career in the Canadian Armed Forces.
On this episode of Bear Tracks, presented by Pink Whitney by New Amsterdam Vodka, Orlando Solar Bears play-by-play voice Jesse Liebman is joined by the team's athletic trainer, Brian DeAlmeida, who joined the Solar Bears several games into the 2020-21 season in his first athletic training job in professional hockey.
In the latest episode of Bear Tracks, presented by Pink Whitney by New Amsterdam Vodka, we're joined by 2001 Turner Cup champion goaltender Norm Maracle and we reminisce about the final season of the IHL and how Maracle dominated the league that season, winning honors as the circuit's top goaltender and MVP in both the regular season and playoffs.
On this episode of Bear Tracks, presented by Pink Whitney by New Amsterdam Vodka, defenseman Matthew Spencer talks about his time in Orlando, his recent offensive surge and his willingness to drop the gloves this season, along with his driving habits, his quasi-love of disc golf and the next live music performance he intends to see post-pandemic.
Orlando Solar Bears defenseman Nolan Valleau joins us for this week's episode of Bear Tracks, presented by Pink Whitney by New Amsterdam Vodka. The sixth-year pro recounts how his dog Otis became a part of his life, his journey back to Orlando for the 2020-21 season and how he has adjusted to being one of the elder statesmen in the locker room.
The latest episode of Bear Tracks, presented by Pink Whitney by New Amsterdam Vodka features forward Anthony Repaci, who joins Jesse Liebman to discuss his first season of professional hockey after initially signing with the Worcester Railers before joining the Solar Bears in early March.
On this week's episode of Bear Tracks, presented by Pink Whitney by New Amsterdam Vodka, Solar Bears play-by-play voice Jesse Liebman catches up with rookie forward Joseph Garreffa, who joined the team in mid-March following a re-assignment from the AHL's San Jose Barracuda. The Toronto native discusses his time growing up in Toronto, playing in the Ontario Hockey League for two storied clubs in the Kitchener Rangers and Ottawa 67's, his friendship with teammate Anthony Repaci and how he got his start in figure skating.
On this week's episode of Bear Tracks, presented by Pink Whitney by New Amsterdam Vodka, Solar Bears play-by-play voice Jesse Liebman is joined by fourth-year pro Fabrizio Ricci, and the two discuss food, Toronto real estate, soccer and what it was like playing in Europe before returning to North America to play in the ECHL.
On this week's episode of Bear Tracks, presented by Pink Whitney by New Amsterdam Vodka, rookie forward Kyle Topping joins us to discuss his rookie season in Orlando, along with his road trip with the San Jose Barracuda during the blizzard that ravaged Texas in February, as well as his battle back from a grueling ankle injury in his final season of major junior with the Kelowna Rockets and his venture into launching and hosting his own podcast with several former teammates.
As we reach 50 episodes of Bear Tracks, presented by Pink Whitney, Solar Bears play-by-play voice and host Jesse Liebman is joined by forward Tad Kozun, and the pair discuss Kozun's youth in Saskatchewan, his time at the University of Alaska-Anchorage and the recent efforts to save the longtime college hockey program, his preference to avoid spending time on his smartphone and his hidden talent.
On this week's episode of Bear Tracks, presented by Pink Whitney by New Amsterdam Vodka, Solar Bears play-by-play voice Jesse Liebman is joined by defenseman Mark Auk, who joined the Solar Bears this season in early January after being claimed off waivers from Rapid City, and has emerged as one of the top-scoring defensemen in the ECHL during the 2020-21 campaign. The two discuss his time on Michigan's Upper Peninsula while attending Michigan Tech, his professional debut with the AHL's Iowa Wild, his first full season of pro hockey in Finland and how he has adapted to life in Florida.
On this week's episode of Bear Tracks, presented by Pink Whitney by New Amsterdam Vodka, Solar Bears play-by-play voice Jesse Liebman catches up with defenseman Luke McInnis, and the pair discuss his first season of professional hockey, his family's roots at Boston College and how he has adapted to life in Orlando.
On this episode of Bear Tracks, host Jesse Liebman reflects on the one year that has passed since the Solar Bears played their final game of the 2019-20 season on the eve of the coronavirus pausing sports, and then is joined by former Solar Bears forward Mason Marchment, now playing in the NHL with the Florida Panthers. The pair discuss his rookie season in the ECHL, his involvement in the legendary Game 4 brawl with the Everblades in the 2017 playoffs and his current time with the Panthers.
On this week's episode of Bear Tracks, presented by Pink Whitney by New Amsterdam Vodka, Solar Bears play-by-play voice Jesse Liebman is joined by forward Aaron Luchuk (9:01) to discuss the season thus far, how his father has always inspired him in his hockey career, his time in the Ontario Hockey League with the Windsor Spitfires, and he dishes on some of the bigger personalities in the Solar Bears locker room.
On this episode of Bear Tracks, Solar Bears play-by-play broadcaster Jesse Liebman recaps the prior week's series with the Everblades, the NHL Outdoor series in Lake Tahoe, and is then joined by defenseman Devante Stephens (13:56), who shares his experiences of growing up in British Columbia, his appreciation for fashion and his progression through junior hockey. The two also discuss his experiences as a Black hockey player in a predominantly white sport, and the support he has received from teammates in seeking a greater understanding of tolerance and inclusion.
On this week's episode of Bear Tracks we're joined by forward Johnny McInnis, who holds the Solar Bears club record with 88 consecutive regular season games played, and now works as an assistant coach of the Boston Pride of the National Women's Hockey League.
Ben Simon scored twice, including the final goal for the IHL Orlando Solar Bears' existence in the team's Turner Cup-clinching win on May 26, 2001 and he is now the head coach of the AHL's Grand Rapids Griffins. He joins us on this week's episode of Bear Tracks to discuss that magical rookie season in the IHL's swan song, as well as how his playing career directly transitioned into a coaching role.
In this episode of Bear Tracks, recently-signed forward Zack Andrusiak joins the podcast (8:53) and discusses his new experience of playing on the eastern seaboard with Orlando, his first goal with his new club, how he navigated becoming a free agent this fall with the Idaho Steelheads opting out of the 2020-21 season, his time in the Seattle metro area during his junior career and his Los Angeles Dodgers fandom.
On this episode of Bear Tracks we talk with Mark Beaufait, the all-time leader in games played, goals, assists and points of the IHL Orlando Solar Bears.
In this episode of Bear Tracks, host Jesse Liebman catches up with forward Tyler Bird, who has already reached half of his point totals from the year prior. The two discuss navigating the league's health and safety protocols, who has stepped up in the absence of some longtime mainstays to the roster and who's the biggest practical joker in the locker room this season.
On this week's episode of Bear Tracks, host Jesse Liebman catches up with Chuck Weber, who started as a ticket sales representative with RDV Sports in the 1990s before becoming the IHL Solar Bears' video coach and eventual assistant coach on the 2001 Turner Cup championship before embarking on a coaching career that has included two Kelly Cup championships with the Cincinnati Cyclones, an EIHL playoff championship with the Coventry Blaze and his current role as an assistant coach with R.P.I.
This week's episode of Bear Tracks features Solar Bears rookie forward Nikita Pavlychev, who has helped the Solar Bears begin the season with a 4-3-0-0 start. Pavlychev discusses his first years in North America, his fondness for his time at Penn State University and his recently-acquired interest in Formula One racing.
The Solar Bears get the home portion of their 2020-21 schedule underway and Jesse Liebman is joined by Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Alex Green, who has been assigned to Orlando to begin his professional career.
In our final episode of Bear Tracks before the holiday break, team play-by-play announcer Jesse Liebman recaps the season-opening game against Florida and looks ahead to this weekend's set against the Wheeling Nailers. We're also joined by Solar Bears forward Jerry D'Amigo, and talk about his wedding held during the pandemic, his gold medal winning tournament with Team USA at the World Junior Championships and what he hopes to bring to the Solar Bears this season.
On this week's episode of Bear Tracks we are joined by forward J.J. Piccinich, a former Toronto Maple Leafs prospect assigned to Orlando in the 2017-18 season, who has decided to sign with the Solar Bears for 2020-21 after previously helping the Newfoundland Growlers capture the Kelly Cup in 2019 and earning an ECHL All-Star selection last season with the Tulsa Oilers.
On this week's episode of Bear Tracks, the 2020 preseason has gotten underway, and we welcome goaltender Garret Sparks onto the podcast after signing with club earlier in the week. Sparks recounts his favorite Orlando memories, his fixation and fascination with customizing his goaltending equipment and more.
Jackson Playfair suited up for the Solar Bears in 14 games during the 2018-19 season. After being one of the last cuts in training camp the following season, the expectant father and Dalhousie University graduate transitioned to a post-playing career, where he is now an associate producer at EA Sports' Vancouver studios where he works on the popular NHL series.
On this week's episode of Bear Tracks, we talk with assistant coach Jared Staal about growing up in Thunder Bay, Ontario as a member of one hockey's most famous families, his journey through the minors to reaching the NHL, his young coaching career and the mission of the Staal Family Foundation.
This week on Bear Tracks, we're joined by former Solar Bears defenseman Mike Weaver. As an undrafted 5-foot-8 defenseman, Weaver joined the Atlanta Thrashers organization and was assigned to the Orlando Solar Bears in the fall of 2000, where he helped win the final Turner Cup in the history of the International Hockey League. After playing over 600 games in the NHL, Weaver has since moved into the tech/coaching sphere, creating CoachThem a web app whose clients range from the youth level all the way to the NHL.
Former IHL Solar Bears defenseman Barry Dreger joins us on this week's episode of Bear Tracks, and discusses his fiver years in the City Beautiful, helping introduce hockey to a new market in the mid-90s, the runs to the Turner Cup Final and the team bonding exercise in the 1999 Final against the Houston Aeros.
Solar Bears broadcaster Jesse Liebman is joined by the team's head equipment manager Adam Dexter, a veteran of over 1,000 games of professional hockey. The two discuss Dexter's career and the life of an equipment manager.
Tampa Bay Lightning assistant general manager Stacy Roest is our guest (10:12) on this week's episode of Bear Tracks, and he joins host Jesse Liebman to discuss the team's recent Stanley Cup win in the playoff bubble, recaps the 2020 NHL draft and explores the relationship between the Lightning, Syracuse Crunch and Solar Bears, along with his plans for his day with the most famous trophy in all of sports.
Former IHL Orlando Solar Bears star goaltender Allan Bester joins this week's episode of Bear Tracks and discusses what led him to join a newly-created expansion team in 1995, the team's remarkable success during his tenure, his experiences with various coaches in his playing career including John Brophy and Barry Melrose, his diagnosis with an anxiety disorder after his playing days and why he continues to make Central Florida his home to this day.
On this episode of Bear Tracks, we celebrate the Stanley Cup championship of the Tampa Bay Lightning, before diving into an interview with former IHL Solar Bears player and alternate captain Ben Hankinson, who now serves as a player agent at Octagon, one of the most established firms in the sport. Ben explains how he transitioned from playing to representing his former teammates, and how he helps groom the game's future superstars.
In this episode of Bear Tracks, Solar Bears play-by-play voice and host Jesse Liebman is joined by Bruce Bennett, the longtime director of photography, hockey imagery for Getty Images. The pair recount Bruce's week embedded with the Solar Bears in February of 2016, his current stay in the Edmonton playoff bubble and Bruce offers his advice to aspiring sports photographers.
When the IHL Orlando Solar Bears were established, Don Waddell was hired as the team's general manager and tasked with building an expansion team from scratch. He eventually became the GM of the club's future NHL affiliate, the Atlanta Thrashers, which supplied Orlando with several players for the 2001 Turner Cup championship. Now the president and general manager for the Carolina Hurricanes, Waddell joins the latest episode of Bear Tracks to discuss his career and fond memories of his time in Orlando.
In this episode of Bear Tracks broadcaster Jesse Liebman is joined by IHL Solar Bears legend Hubie McDonough. The pair discuss Hubie's arrival in Orlando in the 1995-96 season with some lofty comparisons, his time in the City Beautiful and his transition from player into a front office role.
In this episode of Bear Tracks, host Jesse Liebman is joined by George Galante, the original PR director for the Orlando Solar Bears during their first four seasons in the International Hockey, and now the senior director of communications with the Orlando Magic. The two discuss the early days of professional hockey in Orlando, Galante's longevity in the RDV Sports family and how the sports industry has changed over the last two decades.
In the latest episode of Bear Tracks, former Solar Bears goaltender Connor Ingram joins Jesse Liebman to discuss his experiences in the NHL playoff bubble in Edmonton as part of the Nashville Predators postseason roster. Jesse is also joined by a mystery guest - who is the latest signing for the team for the 2020-21 season.
Defenseman Blake Kessel joins the podcast, and talks about his most recent season with the Solar Bears, his experiences of nearly a decade in pro hockey, why he may not necessarily be done with his career and how his wife's job with the Princeton University women's hockey team has been affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
Solar Bears all-time goaltending wins leader Ryan Massa joins this week's episode of Bear Tracks to discuss what he's been up since hanging up his skates and pads, his record-setting 57-save performance, and the infamous line brawl with the Florida Everblades.
Veteran forward Peter MacArthur joins Orlando Solar Bears play-by-play voice Jesse Liebman in the latest episode of Bear Tracks, and discusses a variety of topics that include balancing being a husband, father and minor league hockey player.
Goaltender Michael Lackey joins the latest edition of Bear Tracks, and talks about his time playing for the U.S. National Team Development Program, his college days at Harvard and Providence and his connections to the Solar Bears organization that led him to sign with Orlando to begin his professional career.
In the latest episode of Bear Tracks, Solar Bears broadcaster Jesse Liebman reviews the NHL's plan to give teams home ice advantage in the hockey bubble, the candidacy for the three Hart Trophy finalists and catches up with the latest signing for the 2020-21 season, defenseman Rich Boyd.
Bear Tracks returns from the holiday break with the podcast debut of Solar Bears head coach and general manager Drake Berehowsky, who gives his thoughts on each of the players announced by the club for the 2020-21 season so far.
Solar Bears forward Trevor Olson returns for his second stint on Bear Tracks to discuss his return for a third season in Orlando.
Jesse Liebman is joined on this week's episode of Bear Tracks by newly-signed defenseman Paul Meyer. The two talk about the development and growth of college hockey, gameday routines and what fans can expect from the rookie blueliner for the coming season.
In this episode of Bear Tracks, Jesse Liebman catches up with Solar Bears forward Chris LeBlanc, who will be returning for his fourth season in Orlando.
Solar Bears play-by-play broadcaster Jesse Liebman catches up with ECHL commissioner Ryan Crelin in the latest episode of Bear Tracks to discuss the state of the league following the cancellation of the 2019-20 season, and the efforts being taken to ensure the 2020-21 season is played later this year.
In this episode of Bear Tracks, Jesse Liebman catches up with Solar Bears defenseman Kevin Lohan, who discusses how he's spent the quarantine on Long Island, the evolution of his training and eating habits and his experiences in the American Hockey League.
In this latest episode of Bear Tracks, Solar Bears play-by-play broadcaster Jesse Liebman catches up with forward Trevor Olson, who led the team in goal-scoring in his second full season of professional hockey; the Duluth, Minnesota native tells us what he's been up to and reflects on the shortened 2019-20 campaign. Liebman also discusses the NHL's Return to Play plan and the potential dismantling of a longtime southern college hockey program at the University of Alabama-Huntsville.
Alexander Kuqali completed his second season with the Orlando Solar Bears during the 2019-20 season. In this episode of Bear Tracks, Solar Bears play-by-play broadcaster catches up with the defenseman and discuss what he's been up to since relocating to his native Pittsburgh during the COVID-19 pandemic, along with the ECHL and PHPA's efforts to assist players who have been financially impacted by the cancelation of the 2019-20 season.
On the latest episode of Bear Tracks, Solar Bears play-by-play voice Jesse Liebman catches up with Johno May. The two discuss his offseason job of working at a marina in his home state of Minnesota, his family's personal concerns for the coronavirus and his history as a multi-sport athlete in college.
Orlando Solar Bears play-by-play broadcaster Jesse Liebman catches up with defenseman Rich Boyd, who spent his first full season of professional hockey with the Solar Bears. Since the cancelation of the 2019-20 season in March, Boyd has split his offseason between his native Florida and New England, where he currently resides. The two discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected his treatment of Crohn's disease, which he has battled since his early to mid-teens.
Orlando Solar Bears play-by-play broadcaster Jesse Liebman catches up with defenseman Cody Donaghey, who returned to his hometown of St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador following the cancelation of the 2019-20 ECHL season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Orlando Solar Bears play-by-play broadcaster Jesse Liebman interviews the team's head athletic trainer, Mike DeGaetano, who recently completed his first season with the Solar Bears. The two discuss DeGaetano's previous experience with the Philadelphia Flyers, stories from the road and his brief experience as a practice goaltender for the Solar Bears.
Orlando Solar Bears play-by-play voice Jesse Liebman interviews forward Jake Coughler in the latest episode of Bear Tracks, recapping his first season of professional hockey that included starting overseas in Slovakia, his torrid scoring pace after returning to North America following a brief readjustment period and his recovery from season-ending surgery.
Orlando Solar Bears play-by-play voice Jesse Liebman interviews forward Tyler Bird in the latest episode of Bear Tracks, recapping his first season with the Solar Bears, his discovery at being offered an AHL try-out in February and how he's staying active at home in Massachusetts amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The first episode of Bear Tracks features Solar Bears play-by-play broadcaster Jesse Liebman catching up with goaltender Clint Windsor, who has earned an American Hockey League contract with the Syracuse Crunch following a stellar rookie campaign with Orlando.