ECHL: Jack Dougherty Rejoins Orlando

From Orlando to Europe and Back

Dougherty recorded one goal and six assists for seven points in 19 games during his first stint with Orlando. He also finished with a plus-3 rating and 16 penalty minutes. His time with the Solar Bears led to another opportunity in the AHL, where he appeared in 15 games with Belleville and recorded two assists. Dougherty finished the 2022-23 season in Germany with Kölner Haie.

He remained in Europe for the next three seasons, playing for the Nürnberg Ice Tigers in Germany’s DEL, the Vienna Capitals in the ICE Hockey League, and the Sheffield Steelers in the Elite Ice Hockey League. Dougherty spent the 2025-26 season with Sheffield, recording two goals and 13 assists for 15 points in 49 regular-season games. He finished with a plus-24 rating and added one assist in four playoff games.

His return gives Orlando a defenseman with extensive experience on both sides of the Atlantic.

AHL Experience

Dougherty began his professional career within the Nashville Predators organization, making his AHL debut with the Milwaukee Admirals at the end of the 2015-16 season. He became a regular with Milwaukee the following year, appearing in 75 games and recording two goals and 11 assists for 13 points.

Dougherty remained in the AHL for several more seasons, spending time with Milwaukee, the Rochester Americans, theBelleville Senators, and the Providence Bruins. His most productive AHL season came with Belleville in 2019-20, when he recorded four goals and 11 assists for 15 points in 59 games.

Before Turning Pro

The St. Paul, Minnesota, native came through the United States National Team Development Program before the Nashville Predators selected him in the second round, 51st overall, of the 2014 NHL Draft. He also helped the United States capture gold at the 2014 IIHF U18 World Championship. Dougherty played one season at the University of Wisconsin in 2014-15, recording two goals and seven assists for nine points in 33 games.

He moved to the Portland Winterhawks of the Western Hockey League for the 2015-16 season and served as an alternate captain. Dougherty recorded 11 goals and 41 assists for 52 points in 68 regular-season games before beginning his professional career with Milwaukee.

More than a decade into his professional career, Dougherty now returns to Orlando for another stint with the Solar Bears.

Orlando Solar Bears. (2026, September 17). Veteran defenseman Jack Dougherty returns to Solar Bears.