Do Sun and Ice mix?
Ryan Cruthers of Orlando Solar Bears
If you are looking for a hockey team outside of the NHL, maybe you should look no further than the newly formed Orlando Solar Bears.
The Solar Bears will be playing in the ECHL this season and will be coached by retired NHL defenceman, Drake Berehowsky. The team is an affiliate of the Minnesota Wild (NHL) and Houston Aeros (AHL). I recently had chance to ask Ryan Cruthers, the Solar Bears first acquisition, a few questions on hockey, Orlando, the coach plus other issues.
Firstly, I was interested in how Ryan felt about playing for a completely new team.
“It feels great. All the hype around the city of Orlando has been really motivating and positive. I think this is a great city that has embraced hockey before and I think this organisation is going to do great things for the community both on and off the ice.”
Having played for teams like the Norfolk Admirals and Hershey Bears, Ryan has chosen to move to the new climes of Florida; was it easy to choose? “After speaking with Drake it felt like it was the right situation for me and my family. Drake wants to win right away and that is what I was looking for, not that every team is not trying to win a Championship but after speaking with him I believed in what he wants to accomplish and I think hockey-wise it was the perfect fit.”
Having chosen the Solar Bears, I wondered what Ryan perceived to be his role for the team.
“I will be able to bring a lot of experience from this league and how to be successful in it from day to day. I have been a leader on past teams and I think my leadership is a reason they recruited me and I am going to embrace that role. On the ice, my role has been to be a point producer and that is what I will be counted on to do.”
It must be difficult to bring a new set of players together under a fledgling coach, albeit with loads of experience, and make it all gel.
Also, selling the concept to the public to fill the stadium may be difficult. What the goals are for the season?
“To win a Championship!” Ryan continued,
“On the ice, that is what I believe our main goal should be. I think we will be great for the community of Orlando and I know we will be out in the community aiding them in any way we can. Off the ice, I think our goal is to spread a positive image throughout the community of who the Solar Bears are, and what we are trying to accomplish.”
With teams like Phoenix struggling to sell hockey in the desert, I pondered on whether Orlando is accepting of the return of hockey, and the Solar Bears, to the city: “Yes 100%. You can see the hype around the city everyday online and from the team promotions that have been going on. Since I arrived in Orlando, it gives you chills seeing the fan support and the (Amway) arena in which we will be playing. A city makes a team and there is no greater feeling then when you have an entire city behind you cheering you on.”
Most NHL fans will remember seeing Drake Berehowsky play.
As a Penguins fan, I remember him playing before the last NHL lockout. What did Ryan think the coach’s NHL experience will bring to the team? “Drake’s playing career speaks for itself and being able to play for somebody with that type of resume does not come often. I think it’s a great situation for guys to develop under a coach who has done what he has as a player. Players are really going to benefit from playing for a guy that has made it to the NHL and had a very successful career.”
Having learned about the Solar Bears as an organisation, my thoughts turned to their competition in the ECHL. I asked Ryan who was feared the most.
“I don’t think we are going to fear any team but there are a lot of great teams in this league. Our rival is going to be the Florida Everblades who are coming off a great Championship season. Having to play them so often, and knowing the success they have had, it should be a huge motivator for us. I know we will be ready for the challenge when the season starts.”
Being an affiliate of Minnesota (who acquired Ryan Suter and Zach Parise in the summer) the NHL lockout must be bring good and points for the Solar Bears? Ryan gave an optimistic view of the situation: “Hopefully, the issues at the NHL level are figured out and we can see the great team our affiliate has put together this off season. Minnesota was able to sign two of the top free agents and it will be great to see that team have success.”
Finally, I asked Ryan if he was aware of the growing fan base in the UK for hockey?
“Having friends and former teammates go play in the UK, I have seen and heard a lot of great things about the fans and hockey there. I know players love continuing their pro careers there and I have heard the fan bases and arenas are amazing. It’s great to see hockey growing all over the world.”
Whether or not the NHL locks out, I can only recommend that you try and catch some hockey from teams like the Orlando Solar Bears. It’s great to see the upcoming players alongside the seasoned professionals, laying it on the line. I wish the Orlando Solar Bears good fortune for the season and hope that if you are in Florida, it can include some hockey watching!
