Solar Bears add veteran forward Crowder

ORLANDO, Fla. - The Orlando Solar Bears, ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Toronto Maple Leafs and AHL's Toronto Marlies, have announced that the club has agreed to terms with veteran forward Paul Crowder for the 2016-17 season.

Crowder, 31, started last season with Amiens in France, where he racked up 30 points (10g-20a) and 43 penalty minutes in 24 games before joining the Fort Wayne Komets in February, where he added 24 points (5g-19a) and eight penalty minutes in 29 contests, while helping the Komets reach the Western Conference Finals.

The Victoria, British Columbia native has skated in 385 professional games with the AHL's Hartford Wolf Pack, Manchester Monarchs, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and Milwaukee Admirals, and the ECHL's Utah Grizzlies, Wheeling Nailers, Cincinnati Cyclones and Fort Wayne Komets, accumulating 256 points (96g-160a) and 219 penalty minutes. In addition to his overseas totals from France, Crowder also suited up in six contests with Austria's Orli Znojmo, recording one assist.

Prior to turning pro, Crowder played collegiate hockey for the University of Alaska-Anchorage from 2006-09, posting 80 points (32g-48a) and 84 penalty minutes in 107 games for the Seawolves.