Bunz inks deal with Solar Bears

Action photo of Davis Bunz of the Orlando Solar Bears

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Orlando Solar Bears, ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Tampa Bay Lightning, announced that the team has agreed to terms with defenseman Davis Bunz for the 2025-26 season.

Bunz joins Orlando after spending the 2024-25 season with the Nottingham Panthers of the Elite Ice Hockey League in the United Kingdom, where he tallied 15 points (1g-14a) in 53 regular-season games. He added two points (1g-1a) in three playoff games.

Prior to his time overseas, the Middleton, Wisconsin native spent two seasons with the Wheeling Nailers. Bunz enjoyed a breakout year in 2023-24, recording 31 points (10g-21a) in 58 games while serving as an alternate captain and helping lead Wheeling to the Kelly Cup Playoffs.

Prior to turning pro, the 26-year-old played five seasons of college hockey at Providence College (2017-22), suiting up in 144 games for the Friars. Known for his leadership and community involvement, Bunz was nominated for the Hockey Humanitarian Award in 2020 and earned Providence’s Jane Thompson Humanitarian Award in 2021.