It's been a long time since doing anything on this site. Since then, the Orlando Magic went to the NBA Finals, then regressed back down to first round exits in two years and now on the verge of losing perhaps the most dominating big man in franchise history. Speaking of losing, with the Arena Football League folding, it was unknown what would be of the Orlando Predators. Fortunately, the new AFL1 was able to swoop in and prevent the demise of the beloved preds. The only other big news in the sporting world of Orlando since 2009 would be the construction and opening of the new Amway Center and the beginning of the end of the old O-Rena. But wait, I seem to be forgetting something...
...Coming across the local news one day, there was a report about an ownership group looking to bring hockey back in the city beautiful, just days after an NHL preseason game between the Tampa Bay Lightning and St. Louis Blues, that drew about 11,000 fans to Orlando. Yes, you heard right, 11,000 people coming to a see a PRESEASON game where the closest home team is about 175 miles from Orlando. Immediately, after the news was brought on, hockey fans from all over the city rejoiced on the possibly of hosting its first hockey team since the Orlando Seals bounced to neighboring Kissimmee back in 2004. After getting the approval of the ECHL along with another expansion team from San Fransisco, fans began calling for the revival of one of the most beloved team names in history, the Solar Bears, which team hasn't played a single game since hoisting the Turner Cup back on May 26, 2001.
Ah yes, the Solar Bears, a team that had a huge fan base, despite being in a state the never sees snow. Always being in championship contention, the Solar Bears were very successful during their time in the old IHL; sending many talent over to the NHL, which at one point, competed head-to-head with the NHL for the nation's major league for hockey. Being a fan myself as a little kid, this was more a perk for living in the Orlando area than Disney World. Now in my early 20s, I not only get to look forward to reliving those childhood memories, I'll be able to get to share past and future experiences with fellow fans from all over the world (well, at least up onto Canada). As we get closer to the new era of Solar Bears hockey, one person is reuniting the fans over for discussion over at Orlando Solar Bears Forum. I, being a member hope to contribute on the forum as well as posting on this blog as well.
It doesn't hurt to join up and put in you two cents, especially for all the other Solar Bear fans still coming out of hibernation. A bunch of topics to jump in on and a growing community in hopes of becoming the largest fan forum of the Orlando Solar Bears. Trust me, it'll make the wait to October 2012 that much more tolerable.
A Fan's Center Ice Information of the Orlando Solar Bears.
