The ECHL announced today that the Orlando Solar Bearhttps://orlandosolarbearshockey.com/s have acquired Randy Hernandez from the Fort Wayne Komets in exchange for future considerations.
Hernandez started playing hockey later than some of his peers, taking on the sport at the age of 12. Born to Cuban immigrants, he grew up in Miami, Florida, where he developed a passion for the sport. Hernandez quickly made a name for himself in the sport, competing at the AAA level and demonstrating his talent. Ultimately he would be scouted for the USA Hockey National Team Development Program (NTDP) just a few years later.
During the 2015-2016 season, Hernandez showcased his skills with USA Hockey while playing for the Under-17 Team. He participated in a total of 56 games, where he scored eight goals and provided seven assists, accumulating 15 points overall. He also recorded 18 penalty minutes, emphasizing a competitive style of play that sometimes results in infractions. These statistics underscore his contributions to the team in both scoring and playmaking. Furthermore, Hernandez participated in international tournaments with the NTDP, including the 2015 World Under-17 Challenge in Canada, where he netted three goals in six games, and the 2015 U17 Four Nations Tournament in Slovakia, where he scored two goals in four games.
Randy Hernandez went on to have a standout performance with the Brooks Bandits in the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL). During the 2018-2019 season, Hernandez played 40 games, during which he scored 23 goals and provided 35 assists, amassing a total of 58 points. His contributions were instrumental in leading the Bandits to victory in the Enerflex Cup, Doyle Cup, and National Junior A Championship. The following season, 2019-2020, saw Hernandez further elevate his game as he participated in 46 matches, netting 29 goals and assisting on 33 others, for an impressive 62 points. His performance not only led the team in scoring but also played a crucial role in their championship pursuit, solidifying his status as a key player.
During the 2020-2021 season at Robert Morris University, Hernandez participated in 24 games, showcasing impressive skills on the ice. Hernandez scored a total of 11 goals, along with 14 assists, bringing his overall points to 25. He then made the move to Canisius College the following season, participated in 10 games, scoring two goals and providing two assists. In 2022-2023, he appeared in 40 games and achieving eight goals alongside 13 assists for a total of 21 points, with six penalty minutes.
The upward trend continued in the 2023-2024 season, where he played 37 games, matched his goal count with another eight goals, and added 14 assists for a total of 22 points, while reducing his penalty minutes to four. Hernandez had a solid career at Canisius, contributing consistently to the team’s offense all three years with the team. In his total 111 NCAA games played, Hernandez developed his offensive skills, scoring 29 goals and recording 43 assists, bringing his total points to 72, underscoring his contributions to the team’s scoring efforts. Showing his discipline on the ice, accumulating just 14 penalty minutes in that time.
The Orlando Solar Bears are scheduled to kick off their 2024-2025 season on Friday, October 18 2024, facing off against the Greenville Swamp Rabbits at the Bon Secours Wellness Center in Greenville, South Carolina. Their first home game will take place on Saturday, October 26, 2024, when they take on the Savannah Ghost Pirates.
