Solar Bears sign veteran forward Ben Thomson

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Solar Bears have announced the club has signed veteran forward Ben Thomson to an ECHL Standard Player Contract for the 2020-21 season. Orlando has also released rookie forward Matt Alvaro.

Thomson, 27, joins Orlando after recording 15 points (5g-10a) and 23 penalty minutes in 23 games with the Worcester Railers in 2019-20. He also logged one assist and seven penalty minutes in five games with the AHL’s Bridgeport Sound Tigers.

The 6-foot-3, 215-pound forward has appeared in 360 total career games of pro hockey, including three matches with the NHL’s New Jersey Devils. He has played the majority of his career in the AHL with Bridgeport, San Diego, Binghamton and Albany, producing 71 points (29g-42a) and 513 penalty minutes in 334 games.

Prior to turning pro, the native of Orangeville, Ontario played major junior hockey in the OHL for the North Bay Battalion and Kitchener Rangers, recording 150 points (65g-85a) and 483 penalty minutes in 303 games.

Thomson was a fourth-round selection (#96 overall) of the New Jersey Devils in the 2012 NHL Draft.

Alvaro, 24, has skated in one game with Orlando this season.

NEXT GAME:

Orlando is back in action on Friday, Dec. 18 when the team travels to Wheeling to face the Nailers at 7:10 p.m. The Solar Bears play their first home game of the 2020-21 regular season on Tuesday, Dec. 29 vs. the Jacksonville Icemen.

Merchandise Offer — Holiday Shopping:

Take advantage of our Holiday Shopping offer of FREE GROUND SHIPPING on all orders of $25+ with promo code SHIP25. Offer valid through Dec. 17, 2020. Shop now at orlandosolarbearshockey.com/shop.

2020-21 Season Ticket Memberships on Sale Now:

Upgrade to Solar Status and become a Season Ticket Member today. Season ticket memberships for the 2020-21 season are now on sale and start as little as $279 – CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Watch ECHL.TV on FloHockey:

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New Mobile App: 

Download the new Orlando Solar Bears mobile app today — get access to your game tickets, news, updates and more! Download in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store today.

2020-21 Season Presented by XYMOPrint:

The 2020-21 Orlando Solar Bears season is presented by XYMOPrint, Orlando’s digital printing experts. As a special offer, fans who call XYMOPrint at (888) 223-9390 from now until June 15, 2021 and reference the Solar Bears will receive 15% off their first order and a free Orlando Solar Bears poster!

About the Orlando Solar Bears:

The Orlando Solar Bears are the proud affiliate of the NHL’s Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning and members of the ECHL, the premier “AA” hockey league in North America. In eight seasons of operation, the team has qualified for the Kelly Cup Playoffs five times. The Solar Bears are owned and operated by the Orlando Magic and the DeVos Family, and play at the AdventHealth Rink at Amway Center, the 2012 Street and Smith’s Sports Business Journal Sports Facility of the Year.

Officially licensed Orlando Solar Bears replica team jerseys, apparel, and headwear can be purchased at orlandosolarbearshockey.com/shop.