Over the last week, the Orlando Solar Bears have been busy making significant roster changes, particularly among their blueliners. Since November 29th, there have been 18 transactions aimed at strengthening the team as they navigate through the season. Today, we’ll break down all the transactions, detailing who was called up, who left, and who joined their ranks. From trades and loans to new signings, here’s a comprehensive look at some of the latest updates for the Solar Bears.
Transactions Since November 29th
Trades
- Darik Angeli (F) – Traded to Utah Grizzlies on December 5, 2024
- Andrew Coxhead (F) – Traded from Kansas City Mavericks on December 5, 2024
- Kris Myllari (D) – Traded from Florida Everblades on December 5, 2024
Loans
- Tyson Feist (D) – Returned on loan from Syracuse Crunch (AHL) on December 5, 2024
- Hudson Thornton (D) – Loaned from Hershey Bears (AHL) on December 5, 2024
- Ryan Fanti (G) – Loaned from Syracuse Crunch (AHL) on December 1, 2024
- Brayden Low (F) – Loaned to Belleville Senators (AHL) on November 30, 2024
- Michael Simpson (G) – Returned on loan from Belleville Senators (AHL) on December 2, 2024
- Ryan Fanti (G) – Recalled from loan by Syracuse Crunch (AHL) on November 29, 2024
Signings
- Cory Dennis (D) – Signed to Standard Player Contract (SPC) on November 29, 2024
- Matt Ustaski (F) – Signed to Standard Player Contract (SPC) on December 2, 2024
- Alex Cohen (F) – Signed to Standard Player Contract (SPC) on December 1, 2024
Releases
- Michael Kim (D) – Released from Standard Player Contract (SPC) on December 2, 2024
- Caden Sandusky (G) – Released from emergency backup on December 1, 2024
Reassignments
- Jaydon Dureau (F) – Reassigned by Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL) to Syracuse Crunch (AHL) on November 30, 2024
Andrew Coxhead (F)
Traded from Kansas City Mavericks on December 5, 2024
The Orlando Solar Bears acquired forward Andrew Coxhead from the Kansas City Mavericks in exchange for defenseman Jimmy Mazza. Coxhead, 24, has appeared in 14 games this season while with the Mavericks, tallying three assists. Prior to his professional career, the 6-foot-3, 201-pound forward played three seasons at Saint Mary’s University from 2021-2024, where he put up 58 points (25 goals, 33 assists) in 69 USports games. Coxhead also played five seasons of Major Junior Hockey in the Quebec Maritime Junior Hockey League from 2016-2021, recording 142 points (60g, 82a) in 276 QMJHL games with Rimouski and Quebec.
Cory Dennis (D)
Signed to Standard Player Contract (SPC) on November 29, 2024
Cory Dennis, 27, has been a steady presence for the Pensacola Ice Flyers over the past few seasons. Playing as a defenseman, he stands at 6 feet tall and weighs 195 pounds. Born on February 16, 1997, in Madison, WI, Dennis spent his collegiate career at Concordia University (Wisconsin), where he recorded 52 points (16g, 36a) in 94 games.
His professional career began with the Pensacola Ice Flyers during the 2021-22 season, recording eight points (3 goals, 5 assists) in 17 games played. After playing 19 games with the Adirondack Thunder at the start of the 2022-23 season, Dennis rejoined the Ice Flyers, where he tallied 12 points (2 goals, 10 assists) over 30 games. In the 2023-24 season, he participated in 46 games with the Newfoundland Growlers, accumulating eight points (1 goal, 7 assists) before signing with the Orlando Solar Bears on March 3, 2024.
Throughout his time with the Ice Flyers, he has played a total of 60 games, netting six goals and providing 22 assists for a total of 28 points. His playoff contributions include five games with three assists, showcasing his ability to perform well under pressure. While he may not lead in goal scoring, his consistent defensive skills and playmaking ability emphasize his value to the team.
In his last few games this season, Cory Dennis has been an asset to the Ice Flyers. On November 16, 2024, against the Huntsville Havoc, Dennis recorded two assists, contributing to two points. On November 23rd, also against the Peoria Rivermen, Dennis added another assist. Finally, on November 27, 2024, against the Huntsville Havoc, he scored another goal and added an assist, earning two points. Overall, in these last four games, Dennis has accumulated one goal, four assists, for five points.
Jaydon Dureau (F)
Reassigned by Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL) to Syracuse Crunch (AHL) on November 30, 2024
Forward Jaydon Dureau was reassigned by the Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL) to the Syracuse Crunch (AHL) from the Orlando Solar Bears. Dureau, 23, has recorded one goal and one assist in 10 games with the Crunch this season and three goals and one assist in five games with the Solar Bears. The White City, Saskatchewan native has appeared in 75 games over two seasons with the Solar Bears, scoring 48 points (18G, 30A) and added 11 points in 11 playoff games during the 2024 Kelly Cup Playoffs. Dureau has also skated in 30 AHL games over five seasons, recording three goals and three assists. Prior to his professional career, the 6-foot, 176-pound forward played in 207 games in the Western Hockey League for the Portland Winterhawks, scoring 196 points on 65 goals and 131 assists. Dureau was selected by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the fifth round, 147th overall, in the 2020 NHL Draft and signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Lightning in the spring of 2022.
Tyson Feist (D)
Returned on loan from Syracuse Crunch (AHL) on December 5, 2024
The Orlando Solar Bears announced that defenseman Tyson Feist has returned on loan from the Syracuse Crunch (AHL). Feist, 23, has appeared in nine games for the Solar Bears this season and 40 games over three seasons, scoring 17 points (6G, 11A). The Dawson Creek, British Columbia native has also skated in 45 AHL games over three seasons with the Chicago Wolves and the Syracuse Crunch, scoring eight points (1Gl, 7A) and earning 51 penalty minutes. Prior to his professional career, the 6-foot-3, 208-pound defenseman played in 65 games for the Kelowna Rockets of the Western Hockey League (WHL) during the 2021-22 season, scoring 39 points (15G, 24A) with a plus-25 rating. In total, Feist appeared in 187 WHL games for Kelowna, Regina, and Spokane from 2017-2022.
Ryan Fanti (G)
Loaned from Syracuse Crunch (AHL) on December 1, 2024
Goaltender Ryan Fanti was loaned to the Orlando Solar Bears from the Syracuse Crunch (AHL). Fanti, 25, has appeared in 10 games this season for Orlando, posting a 3-6-1 record, with a 3.52 Goals Against Average (GAA) and a .879 save percentage (SV%).
The former Minnesota-Duluth Bulldog has spent the past three seasons in the Edmonton Oilers organization with the Bakersfield Condors of the AHL and Fort Wayne Komets (ECHL). In 61 ECHL games, the Thunder Bay, Ontario native has posted a 27-28-1 record, a 3.30 goals against average (GAA), and a .897 save percentage (SV%). Fanti signed a One-Year, AHL contract with the Crunch in the summer of 2024.
Brayden Low (F)
Loaned to Belleville Senators (AHL) on November 30, 2024
Brayden Low, a forward, was loaned to the Belleville Senators (AHL) from the Orlando Solar Bears on November 30, 2024. In the 2024-25 season, he played 19 games, scoring six goals and eight assists, totaling 14 points. He also scored three power-play goals with the Bears. Brayden Low is a key forward for the Orlando Solar Bears, known for his strong presence and consistent performance on the ice. Standing at 6’2″ and weighing 224 pounds, the left-shooting forward has made significant contributions to the team. In the 2024-25 season, Low has played 19 games, scoring six goals and eight assists, totaling 14 points. His impressive performance in the previous season earned him the title of Team MVP, where he tied for the team lead in scoring with 49 points (23G, 26A) in 70 games. Low’s career highlights include playing in 387 regular-season ECHL games, where he has amassed 100 goals and 121 assists. His leadership and skill have made him a valuable asset to the Solar Bears.
Kris Myllari (D)
Traded from Florida Everblades on December 5, 2024
The Orlando Solar Bears announced that defenseman Kris Myllari has been traded from the Florida Everblades in exchange for veteran forward Darik Angeli. Myllari, 27, joins the Solar Bears from the Florida Everblades, where in 10 games, the Kanata, Ontario native tallied five points (1G, 4A). Myllari enjoyed career-highs in goals (11), assists (37), and points (48) while captaining the Allen Americans last season. In 285 ECHL games over five seasons with Utah, Kansas City, Allen, and Florida, the 6-foot-2, 200-pound defenseman recorded 120 points (31G, 89A). Prior to his professional career, Myllari attended Penn State University, playing in four seasons for the Nittany Lions from 2016-2020. In 149 games, Myllari racked up 62 points (19G, 43A) and helped his team to two Big Ten Championships. During the 2016-17 season, Myllari was named to the Big Ten All-Rookie Team.
Michael Simpson (G)
Returned on loan from Belleville Senators (AHL) on December 2, 2024
The Orlando Solar Bears announced that goaltender Michael Simpson has returned on loan from the Belleville Senators (AHL) on December 2, 2024. Simpson, 21, has appeared in three games this season for the Solar Bears, posting a 2-1-0 record with one shutout, a 1.01 goals against average (GAA), and a .963 save percentage (SV%). Prior to his professional career, Simpson played the 2023-24 season with the Ontario Hockey League Champion London Knights. In three games this season with Orlando, the London, Ontario native is 2-1-0 with a 1.01 goals against average (GAA) and a .967 save percentage (SV%). Simpson recorded his first professional shutout with a 25-save victory on Friday night against Florida. Simpson is a two-time OHL champion, winning the J. Ross Robertson Cup with the Peterborough Petes during the 2022-23 season while earning the Wayne Gretzky 99 Award as Playoff Most Valuable Player.
Matt Ustaski (F)
Signed to Standard Player Contract (SPC) on December 2, 2024
Forward Matt Ustaski was signed to an SPC by the Orlando Solar Bears. Ustaski, 30, joins the Solar Bears after two games with Iowa and five games with Quad City in the SPHL this season. The 6-foot-6, 220-pound forward has appeared in 51 ECHL games over six seasons, scoring 17 points (6G, 11A) and picking up 17 penalty minutes. During the 2023-24 campaign, Ustaski finished second in team scoring (53 points) on the Quad City Storm and was named to the SPHL Second All-Star Team. Prior to his professional career, Ustaski played four seasons of college hockey at the University of Wisconsin. In 100 career games, Ustaski tallied 13 goals and nine assists for 22 points.
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