After season away, Doherty rejoins Solar Bears

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Solar Bears have agreed to terms with veteran defenseman Taylor Doherty for the 2018-19 season.

Doherty, 27, returns to Orlando after spending the 2017-18 season under contract with the Providence Bruins of the American Hockey League. He appeared in one game with Providence, earning five penalty minutes, and spent the majority of the season assigned to the Bruins’ ECHL affiliate, the Atlanta Gladiators. During Doherty’s time with the Gladiators, he posted 19 points (6g-13a) and 89 penalty minutes in 63 games while serving as an alternate captain. Doherty went on to add one assist and two penalty minutes in four playoff games with Atlanta.

During the 2016-17 campaign with the Solar Bears, Doherty suited up in 30 regular-season games, logging 15 points (3g-12a) and 86 penalty minutes. The defenseman also recorded a +21 rating which tied for the team lead and set a new club single-season record. Doherty made his pro postseason debut that spring, leading Orlando’s defensive corps in playoff scoring with seven points (4g-3a) and 15 penalty minutes in seven playoff contests.

In 406 career regular-season games, Doherty has accumulated 101 points (24g-77a) and 604 penalty minutes.

Prior to turning pro, the Cambridge, Ontario, native spent his major junior career with the Ontario Hockey League’s Kingston Frontenacs, where he registered totals 137 points (38g-99a) and 458 penalty minutes in 263 games. Doherty was selected by the San Jose Sharks in the second round (57th overall) of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.