ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Solar Bears have agreed to terms with rookie defenseman Carter Struthers for the 2018-19 season.
- Orlando Solar Bears signed rookie defenseman to contract for 2018-19 season
- Carter Struthers recorded one assist in eight games for the ECHL's Greenville Swamp Rabbits last season
- Struthers recorded 47 points (11 goals, 36 assists) with Weyburn Red Wings in junior hockey
Struthers, 25, joins Orlando for his first full season of professional hockey after suiting up in eight games with the Greenville Swamp Rabbits at the conclusion of the 2017-18 season. The 6-foot-5, 212-pound blueliner recorded one assist and 19 penalty minutes for Greenville in eight games.
"Carter brings more size to our blue line and will be effective at shutting down the opposition," Solar Bears head coach and general manager Drake Berehowsky said. "We saw him briefly after he had just turned pro with Greenville last season, and we think he has a lot to offer."
The Weyburn, Saskatchewan native played college hockey for Bemidji State University, where he logged four points (1g-3a) and 14 penalty minutes in 49 games for the Beavers program.
Struthers also played junior hockey for the Weyburn Red Wings of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, amassing 47 points (11g-36a) and 52 penalty minutes in 79 career games.
"It was an easy decision to come to the Solar Bears after playing a game on the road there last year," Struthers said. "The city, the electric fan base, the facility and the team were all major selling points. I’m excited for the opportunity to help bring a championship to Orlando."
The Orlando Solar Bears made the Kelly Cup Playoffs last year, winning their first Playoff series in franchise history before falling in the Eastern Conference Finals to the rival Florida Everblades.