The Orlando Solar Bears are bringing in a fresh voice on the coaching staff for the 2025–26 season. Adam Dauda, a 30-year-old Bratislava, Slovakia native with dual Slovak-Canadian ties, has joined the team as an Assistant Coach.
Dauda’s path to Orlando blends international experience, championship pedigree, and a strong coaching résumé. Most recently, he spent the 2024–25 season as an Assistant Coach with the Greenville Swamp Rabbits. Before that, he made history with the University of North Carolina’s ACHA program, leading the Tar Heels to an 18-7-1 record and their highest national ranking ever.
From the Ice to the Bench
Fans may remember Dauda from his playing days, where he lined up as a 6’0”, 187-pound center with a left-handed shot. After four years at Colgate University (116 games, 22 goals, 29 assists), he turned pro in 2019 and built a career that stretched across North America, Europe, and Australia.
- ECHL: Skated with Newfoundland, Kalamazoo, and Jacksonville, collecting 30 points in 62 games.
- Slovakia: Played a full season with HK Nitra, adding 14 points in 25 games.
- Australia: Thrived with the Sydney Bears, where he produced 29 points in just 14 regular-season games and led them to an AIHL Championship in 2019.
- FPHL: Suited up for the Danbury Hat Tricks in 2021–22, where he posted over a point per game including playoffs.
Dauda officially retired as a player in 2022, but his reputation as a competitor followed him into the coaching ranks.
Why It Matters for Orlando
With his mix of international playing experience and a coaching résumé that’s already seen success at the collegiate and pro levels, Dauda brings both credibility and energy behind the bench. His journey reflects the same grit and adaptability the Solar Bears want to showcase on the ice this season.
Now, Dauda takes on his biggest challenge yet — helping Orlando push for the Kelly Cup while building the next era of Solar Bears hockey.
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