The Orlando Solar Bears are bringing back a big name between the pipes, announcing that Jon Gillies will return for the 2025–26 season. At 31 years old, the 6-foot-6 netminder from Concord, New Hampshire, boasts a résumé that includes the NCAA National Championship, a World Junior gold medal, and experience across the NHL, AHL, and ECHL.
NCAA Stardom and Early Promise
Gillies cemented his reputation at Providence College, playing three seasons from 2012–15. In 108 NCAA games, he posted a 60–34–13 record with a .931 save percentage and 2.08 goals-against average. He was named to the NCAA (East) Second All-American Team in 2015 and earned Frozen Four Most Outstanding Player honors after leading Providence to its first-ever NCAA National Championship.
Drafted 75th overall in the 2012 NHL Draft by the Calgary Flames, Gillies entered pro hockey as one of the most highly touted goalies in his class.
International Gold with Team USA
On the international stage, Gillies captured gold at the 2013 IIHF World Junior Championship with Team USA. Across two tournaments, he logged five games for the U20 squad, recording a shutout and invaluable big-stage experience.
Climbing the Pro Ranks
Gillies’ career path has taken him through just about every level of hockey:
- NHL: Appeared in 35 games with Calgary Flames, New Jersey Devils, St. Louis Blues, and Columbus Blue Jackets, highlighted by a strong .923 save percentage in his lone start with St. Louis (2021–22).
- AHL: Logged more than 190 games across stops with Stockton Heat, Utica Comets, Providence Bruins, Lehigh Valley Phantoms, Tucson Roadrunners, Cleveland Monsters, and Syracuse Crunch. His most consistent stretch came in Stockton, where he played four seasons and posted a 14–10–7 record with a 2.69 GAA and .907 SV% in 2019–20.
- ECHL: First saw action with Maine Mariners in 2021–22, then returned in 2024–25 with both the Cincinnati Cyclones and Orlando Solar Bears.
Back in Orlando
Gillies first suited up for the Solar Bears in 2024–25, going 4–3–0 with a 2.49 GAA and .922 save percentage in seven regular-season games. He then carried the load in the playoffs, starting nine games and posting a 4–3–2 record with a 3.16 GAA and .902 save percentage, including one shutout.
Earlier that same year, he also played 12 games for the Cincinnati Cyclones, where he went 3–7–2 with a 3.76 GAA and .868 SV%.
Looking Ahead: Opening Night in Orlando
The Solar Bears are betting on Gillies’ size, experience, and proven ability to step up in big moments. With his mix of NHL pedigree, AHL mileage, and fresh ECHL playoff experience, he gives Orlando both stability in net and a potential difference-maker come postseason.
The Solar Bears launch the new season in front of their home crowd with Gillies returning to anchor the crease and Orlando is counting on him to set the tone for another postseason push. Opening Night is Friday, October 17, 2025, with a 7 PM puck drop.
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