Possible Coaching Candidates for the Solar Bears

From top-right clockwise: Brad Tapper, Jared Bednar, Stan Drulia, Sebastien Laplante, Peter Horachek, and Malcolm Cameron

On July 26, 1995, (Give or take a few days) the original Solar Bears hired Curt Fraser as their first ever head coach. Back to today, the new Solar Bears are still in the search for someone to take the helm on the ice come October. Chances are, whoever they hire will also most likely be the team's general manager as well.

Since there is right now no smoke signals from the Solar Bears as to who they've talked to or who they're considering, I thought I would make a list of plausible candidates who may or may not be interested in the position. This list was made up of coaches who have some sort of connection to Orlando or have had coaching experience in the ECHL. There is also a poll on the Facebook page of who you think could become the coach, or comment below with your suggestions.

Brad Tapper

Currently the assistant coach for the champion Florida Everblades, Tapper had a short stint playing for the IHL Solar Bears when they won the Turner Cup and recently got into coaching after retiring in 2009. His first job was the head coach of CCHL North York Rangers before becoming an assistant with the Everblades in 2010. Coming off a Kelly Cup victory, it would seem that Tapper may take advantage and use it as an attempt to land a head coaching position. I'm pretty sure he loved his short time with the Solar Bears.

Chances of coaching the Solar Bears: Likely

Jared Bednar

He is looking for work right now! Bednar became head coach of division rival South Carolina Stingrays in 2007 after being an assistant the previous five seasons. His career then, took off like a rocket, immediately taking the Stingrays to the Kelly Cups Finals in his first year and winning the Cup a year later. He later became an assistant in the AHL for the Abbotsford Heat for one season and then the head coach of the Peoria Riverman up until a couple days ago. He will more than likely stay and look for work in the AHL, but it wouldn't hurt giving him a ring.

Chances of coaching the Solar Bears: Unlikely

Stan Drulia

Along with Sealvester, Drulia was the only diamond in the dirt that was the Orlando Seals. In his lone season at the helm, Drulia recorded a 43-17 regular season as well as a clean sweep in the playoffs, winning the ACHL championship. He coached in the ECHL with the Augusta Lynx, Port Hurton Icehawks, and Wheeling Nailers and had good success in the league. He left Wheeling midseason after being named the assistant with the Milwaukee Admirals (no relation to Norfolk) in the AHL. Now, the Admirals are now looking for a head coach after the current man stepped down, so it may be that Drulia could take over the position.

Chances of coaching the Solar Bears: Not very likely

Sebastien Laplante

Like Tapper, Laplante hasn't been in the coaching ranks long. Currently an assistant for the Solar Bears AHL affiliate, the Houston Aeros, Laplante spent the last few seasons as a college assistant at Northeastern University. When the Solar Bears announced their affiliation with the Aeros and the Minnesota Wild, they mentioned that the affiliates would have an input in the decision of the head coach. The only reason he may be named the coach would be to give him experience as a head coach and have him in line as a successor should current Aeros coach, John Torchetti step down.

Chances of coaching the Solar Bears: Unlikely

Peter Horachek

Who are we kidding? He's an NHL assistant! He isn't dropping two leagues down. Sorry for wasting your time Mr. Horachek, thanks again for helping the Solar Bears win the Turner Cup.

Malcolm Cameron

One of his notable accomplishments was setting an ECHL record for the fewest losses in the regular season with 9 in 2008 with the Texas Wildcatters. With the exception of the half-season he spent with the Elmira Jackals, he has had a pretty solid coaching record in the ECHL, being able to turn teams around almost overnight. He would be a good pickup for the Solar Bears and should be considered. He is looking for work after all.

Chances of coaching the Solar Bears: Likely

These candidates and their chances are just speculation. Who knows, maybe Horachek may leave Nashville and come back to Orlando. Maybe Dwight Howard may stop changing his mind every 15 minutes. Both possible, but not at all likely. What do you think about these choice? Who would you like to see coach the Solar Bears? Who do you suggest that is not on this list? You can comment below or go to our Facebook poll and pick you favorite.