ECHL: Orlando Solar Bears Make Series of Moves

The Orlando Solar Bears, ECHL affiliate of the Tampa Bay Lightning, announced several roster moves on Tuesday as the team continues preparations for Opening Night at Kia Center.

Roster Moves from Tampa Bay

The Tampa Bay Lightning reassigned forwards Connor Kurth and Milo Roelens, along with goaltender Harrison Meneghin, from the Syracuse Crunch (AHL) to the Solar Bears.

Connor Kurth, 22, joins the Solar Bears after a standout junior season at the University of Minnesota, where he tied for second on the team with 39 points (18G, 21A) in 40 games. The Elk River, Minnesota native made headlines on opening night when he recorded his first NCAA hat trick at the 2024 Ice Breaker Tournament, scoring once in each period. Kurth’s consistency carried through the season as he led the Gophers with four game-winning goals and earned All-Big Ten Honorable Mention honors. His breakout year helped him secure a two-year, entry-level NHL contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning, signed on March 30, 2025 (GopherSports, 2025).

Harrison Meneghin, 21, arrives in Orlando after backstopping the WHL Champion Medicine Hat Tigers to a title run. The Surrey, British Columbia native went 23-9-2 with a .901 save percentage during the regular season and was named WHL Playoff MVP after posting a remarkable 14-1 record in the postseason. He also impressed during training camp with the Syracuse Crunch (AHL), turning aside all 21 shots he faced in his lone preseason appearance.

Milo Roelens, 22, returns to Orlando following a strong showing last year with both the Solar Bears and the Crunch. The Roeselare, Belgium native appeared in 16 regular-season games and eight playoff contests for Orlando, contributing three points (1G, 2A) and 39 penalty minutes. In Syracuse, he added eight points (6G, 2A) across 35 games and continued to build a reputation for his size, energy, and physical presence in front of the net.

Jake Hamilton Joins the Blue Line

The Solar Bears have signed defenseman Jake Hamilton to a Standard Player Contract, adding a veteran presence with a unique path through professional hockey. The 29-year-old from O’Fallon, Illinois brings toughness, leadership, and experience from several leagues around the world.

Hamilton posted a career-best season in 2024–25 with the SPHL’s Pensacola Ice Flyers, recording 20 points (6G, 14A) and 77 penalty minutes in 50 games. He continued his strong play during the summer with the Perth Thunder in Australia’s Ice Hockey League, where he produced 27 points (5G, 22A) in 21 games and added two more in the playoffs.

He has also spent time in the ECHL with Newfoundland, Norfolk, Adirondack, Jacksonville, and Kansas City, along with professional stints in Poland and the SPHL’s Peoria Rivermen. At every stop, Hamilton has built a reputation as a steady, physical defender who plays with intensity.

At 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds, Hamilton uses his size effectively to close gaps, win board battles, and clear the front of the net. He plays a direct, stay-at-home style but can contribute offensively when the moment calls for it. His ability to handle tough minutes and bring composure to the defensive zone makes him a valuable addition as Orlando finalizes its blue line for the 2025–26 season.

Additional Transactions

Orlando also announced several roster adjustments:

• Forward Ryan Naumovski has been released from his SPC.
• Defenseman Phil Beaulieu has been traded to the Maine Mariners in exchange for future considerations.
• Goaltender Alex Aslanidis, defensemen Luke Farthing and John Macdonald, and forward Skate Skalde have been released from their tryout agreements.

Looking Ahead

The Solar Bears will finalize and announce their Opening Night Roster on October 16 before hosting the Florida Everblades on Friday, October 17 at 7:00 PM inside Kia Center.

SOURCES:
Orlando Solar Bears. (2025, October 15). Solar Bears Announce Multiple Transactions.
GopherSports. (2025). Connor Kurth – 2024–25 Men’s Hockey Roster. University of Minnesota Athletics.