The Orlando Solar Bears have brought in a new physical presence, signing forward Peter Laviolette III for the 2025–26 season. The 6’4”, 220-pound winger from Wheeling, West Virginia, has spent the last three seasons with his hometown Nailers, where he became known for both his heavy game and his community involvement.
ECHL Experience
Laviolette skated in 110 career ECHL games with the Nailers, collecting 28 points (10g–18a) and an imposing 292 penalty minutes. His 2024–25 season included 27 games and six points, plus another four playoff appearances. In 2023–24, he logged 11 points and 102 penalty minutes in 45 games, while his first year as a pro in 2022–23 saw him add 11 points and 96 penalty minutes in 38 games.
His physical style and willingness to play tough minutes made him a staple in Wheeling’s lineup, even as his role shifted between scoring depth and energy forward.
From Plymouth State to the Pros
Before turning pro, Laviolette put together a standout run at Plymouth State University (NCAA III). He played five seasons for the Panthers, becoming team captain during the shortened 2020–21 year and finishing his college career with 67 points (35g–32a) in 105 games.
In his first three years, he collected 34 points on 23 goals and 11 assists, adding 111 penalty minutes. Those seasons were capped off with back-to-back MASCAC Championships in 2019 and 2020, the first two of three consecutive titles for the program. His graduate season after COVID proved to be his most productive, when he notched 11 goals and 15 assists for 26 points in 27 games, winning a third conference championship in the process.
That blend of physical play, leadership, and playoff-tested experience set him up well for his professional career.
Community Contributions in Wheeling
Beyond his on-ice play, Laviolette earned a reputation for giving back to the community. He was recognized with back-to-back Project BEST Community Player of the Year Awards in 2022–23 and 2023–24, making him only the second player in Nailers history to win the award in consecutive seasons. That dedication off the ice matched his gritty style on it, showing he could be a difference-maker in more ways than one (Orlando Solar Bears, 2025).
What He Brings to Orlando
For the Solar Bears, Laviolette offers more than another body on the wing. He brings a physical edge that can tilt momentum, and the versatility to play either side up front. Add in his proven track record of community involvement, and Orlando is welcoming a player who checks boxes both in the locker room and in the city he’ll represent.
With the South Division as competitive as ever, Laviolette’s mix of toughness, depth scoring, and veteran mindset could make him a valuable piece in the Solar Bears’ push this season.
Five Things Solar Bears Fans Should Know About Peter Laviolette III
- Physical Force: Collected 292 penalty minutes across 110 ECHL games.
- College Captain: Wore the “C” for Plymouth State in 2020–21.
- MASCAC Winner: Helped capture three Massachusetts State Conference titles in five years.
- Community Standout: Won Project BEST Community Player of the Year twice, one of only two Nailers to ever do so consecutively.
- Playoff Tested: Appeared in postseason action with Wheeling in 2023 and 2024.
SOURCE:
Orlando Solar Bears. (2025, September 8). Gritty forward Peter Laviolette III joins Solar Bears for 2025-26 season [Press release].
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