On Monday, September 25th, the Orlando Solar Bears announced that number seven, Tyler Bird, will return for his fifth season with Orlando. Bird has played 262 ECHL games since coming into the league and has been on ice for the Wheeling Nailers, Reading Royals, Greenville Swamp Rabbits, and Orlando Solar Bears roster. Tyler Bird is a strong puck handler and is not afraid to get physical during play. Before turning professional, Bird attended Brown University, where he played 120 games and recorded 25 points (22g-13a). In 2014, the Columbus Blue Jackets drafted Bird in the fifth round (#137 overall) of the NHL draft. The Andover, Massachusetts native scored his 100th professional point on December 21, 2022, with the Orlando Solar Bears and also his 100th point as a Solar Bear in February earlier this year. He had a shot on goal in 65 of his 70 games played last season, where he put up a career-high 34 points.
Forward Tyler Bird is the second all-time in Solar Bears goals, tied third for game-winning goals, fifth all-time in games played, and fifth all-time in penalty minutes. This is exactly the type of player the Orlando Solar Bears need on the team.
