Jardine joins Solar Bears blue line

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Solar Bears have agreed to terms with defenseman Sam Jardine for the 2017-18 season.

The Solar Bears are the ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League's Toronto Maple Leafs and the American Hockey League's Toronto Marlies.

Jardine joins Orlando after helping the Colorado Eagles capture the 2017 Kelly Cup championship. The blueliner recorded 15 points (4g-11a) and 46 penalty minutes in 36 regular-season games with Colorado, and skated in three postseason contests. Jardine was teammates with current Solar Bears defenseman Sean Zimmerman while with the Eagles.

Jardine also saw time in the American Hockey league with the San Antonio Rampage, skating in 27 games while recording five points (3g-2a) and 48 penalty minutes.

The 24-year-old made his pro debut during the 2015-16 season, skating in 50 games with the Indy Fuel, where he notched five points (2g-3a) and 24 penalty minutes. He also suited up in six AHL games with the Rockford IceHogs, where he posted seven penalty minutes.

Prior to turning pro, the native of Lacombe, Alberta patrolled the blue line at Ohio State University, where he skated in 97 games with the Buckeyes, recording 32 points (3g-29a) and 118 penalty minutes.

Jardine was a sixth-round selection (#169 overall) of the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.