ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando Solar Bears’ center Aaron Luchuk is all about communication.

“It’s a point of emphasis. We try to be as talkative as we can. It helps being a guy that’s been here for a couple years,” said Luchuk. “I try to talk as much as I can. Maybe some guys think it’s a little too much, but it’s all a part of it.”

Being a leader is understanding how to mentor, coach, or talk to certain player, and Luchuk is an expert on the ECHL. 

“It’s kind of a different league," he said. "You have three different types of personalities: You have guys that are trying to make this league and do whatever they can to stay; you have guys that are very comfortable in this league; then you have guys that are trying to move on with their careers.”

Luchuk said he has been all three during his three seasons with the Solar Bears.

But as life changes, so do expectations.

In 2020, Luchuk met his wife Kyleigh, which he says shifted his focus.

“From the moment I got here, and met my wife, the city is unbelievable,” said Luchuk. “I created a lot of roots here now. With this organization, I feel we’re able to call this home as I call it home back in Kingston.”

The Luchuk dynamic duo became three over the summer as the Luchuks welcomed their daughter, Kate, into the world.

“In an instant, everything changes,” Luchuk said. “But for the good — I feel like we’re pretty lucky as parents. She’s given us a chance by being a good sleeper. From the moment she was born, the world looked a little bit different, in a good way.”

Luchuk said he still has dreams of playing in the NHL, but for now he’s happy to stay in place.

“I had aspirations of making it to the NHL. I gave it everything I had. Not saying I’m an old guy or anything,” said Luchuk. “But, once you find stability in a city with an organization, that’s just as valuable as it is trying to move on up. So, I owe it to myself and to wife to not drag her all over the country.”