The Lightning has entered into a three-year agreement to make the Orlando Solar Bears its primary ECHL affiliate starting this season, the teams announced today in a joint news release.
The ECHL is considered the top "AA" hockey league in North America, a tier below the American Hockey League. The Solar Bears have qualified for the Kelly Cup playoffs in four of their six seasons in the ECHL.
"We are extremely happy to welcome the Orlando Solar Bears into the Lightning organization today," Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman said in the release. "The Solar Bears organization has demonstrated a strong commitment to success that has paid off with numerous playoff appearances.