ECHL: Chris Harpur Stays in Orlando

Orlando fans, we have our second player added to our 2023-24 roster! Coming to us from Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Chris Harpur has played 82 games with the Orlando Solar Bears since joining the team in the 2021-22 season. He only played 10 games during the 2021-22 season, making him one of two players to play in all 72 regular season games during the 2022-23 season. The 2022-23 season was Chris Harpur’s first full season playing professional hockey, where he put up two goals and nine assists for 11 points.  

During his college career, he played five seasons at Niagara University. The 6-foot-3 defenseman played 161 games while at Niagara University, gaining 58 points (10g-48a) and 204 penalty minutes. During the 2020-21 season, Harpur was the team captain for Niagara. Chris is the brother of New York Rangers defenseman Ben Harpur. 

Before attending Niagara University, Harpur played for the Cowichan Valley Capitals in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL). While he was with the Capitals, Harpur had two remarkable seasons during the 112 games he played. He ended his two years with the Capitals collecting 10 goals and 49 assists. Prior to playing for the Cowichan Valley Capitals, he played 56 games (2g-13a) with the Victoria Grizzlies of the BCHL.    

Last week the Orlando Solar Bears brought back forward Aaron Luchuk, who, during the 2020-21 season, led the ECHL in scoring. Luchuk and Harpur are the only two so far to agree on terms for the 2023-24 season. Orlando can look forward to a great season with these two players currently on the roster.