The Orlando Solar Bears enter the 2026-27 ECHL season with a natural connection for Tampa Bay Lightning fans. Orlando is affiliated with the Lightning and the AHL's Syracuse Crunch, creating a Tampa Bay Lightning → Syracuse Crunch → Orlando Solar Bears development structure and an in-state ECHL destination for the organization.
The current Solar Bears franchise entered the ECHL in 2012-13 and plays at Kia Center. Orlando is looking for improvement after going 29-38-4-1 with 63 points and missing the playoffs in 2025-26.
- Sign up for FloHockey to watch elite junior, college and professional hockey all year long
- FloHockey's 2026 NHL Draft Coverage
- FloHockey To Stream 2027 IIHF Men's World Championship In United States
For Lightning fans, Orlando combines that turnaround attempt with a development angle. Tampa Bay has an ECHL affiliate in its home state, while several experienced players provide the Solar Bears with an established base as future organizational assignments take shape.
How To Watch Orlando Solar Bears In 2026-27
Orlando Solar Bears games can be watched live and on demand on FloHockey throughout the 2026-27 season. FloHockey is the leaguewide video platform for ECHL regular-season and postseason games.
Why Lightning Fans Should Watch Orlando Solar Bears
The Tampa Bay Lightning → Syracuse Crunch → Orlando Solar Bears structure gives Tampa Bay another professional development destination below the AHL.
Orlando's location makes the relationship especially accessible for Lightning fans. Assignments and transactions following NHL and AHL camps will be worth monitoring as Tampa Bay and Syracuse determine where organizational players will begin the season. No specific Lightning prospect should be considered Orlando-bound until an assignment is confirmed.
The Solar Bears also have several current names to know. Goaltender Ryan Bednard returns to the North American ECHL context after playing for Düsseldorfer EG. Defenseman Jack Dougherty recorded 15 points with a plus-24 rating for Sheffield in 2025-26, while Kobe Walker produced 37 points in 47 games for Aalborg. Brendan Harris also signed following an overseas season.
Those players should not automatically be considered Lightning prospects, but they provide an experienced base as Orlando attempts to return to the postseason.
For Tampa Bay fans interested in following organizational depth beyond Syracuse, the Solar Bears provide an in-state ECHL team to monitor throughout 2026-27.
Watch ECHL Hockey Live On FloHockey
ECHL hockey streams live on FloHockey throughout the season. Fans can follow teams from across the league as they compete during the regular season and into the Kelly Cup Playoffs. FloHockey serves as the ECHL's leaguewide video platform, making it a destination for fans following their favorite ECHL clubs, NHL affiliates and developing players.
Watch ECHL Games Live And On Demand On FloHockey
ECHL games are available live and on demand on FloHockey. Fans can watch games as they happen throughout the regular season and Kelly Cup Playoffs or use archived, on-demand viewing when they cannot watch live. FloHockey's leaguewide ECHL coverage gives fans another way to keep up with teams, players and games throughout the season.
Watch The ECHL Regular Season And Kelly Cup Playoffs On FloHockey
Fans can follow the ECHL from the regular season through the Kelly Cup Playoffs on FloHockey. The leaguewide video platform provides live and on-demand ECHL games, allowing fans to continue following teams as the season moves from the 72-game regular-season schedule into the postseason and ultimately the Kelly Cup Final.
NHL Prospect Coverage On FloHockey
The best, and most complete, coverage of the NHL, minor-league hockey and NHL Draft is found on FloHockey. Don't miss the latest new prospect guides, rankings and more from Chris Peters and the FloHockey staff.
Watch the AHL, ECHL, QMJHL, OHL, USHL And More On FloHockey
FloHockey is the streaming home to some of the best hockey leagues in North America, including the ECHL and more. Check out the broadcast schedule to watch more hockey.
Join The Hockey Conversation On FloHockey Social
- Follow us on X @FloHockey
- Follow us on Instagram @flohockey
- Follow us on TikTok @flohockeytv
- Watch us on YouTube
- Like us on Facebook