Orlando – The Belleville Senators of the American Hockey League (AHL) call up goalie Michael Simpson. The announcement was made Saturday, November 9 by the Orlando Solar Bears.
On Loan to the Solar Bears
Twenty-one year-old Simpson was actually on loan to the Solar Bears for a little over a week, and during that time he played three games with a save percentage of 0.963. Two of those games were wins and the win against the Florida Everblades Friday, November 8 was a shutout (2-0).
Solar Bear Goal
The goal of each one of the players on the Orlando Solar Bears – and every player in the ECHL (East Coast Hockey League) – is to climb the next rung up on the ladder on their way to the NHL. The AHL is that rung. In the world of professional hockey, the American Hockey League is the primary developmental league and the top farm system for the NHL. The next step, of course, after the AHL is “The Show.” As in baseball, “making it to the show” means the player will be playing in the National Hockey League.
Bittersweet
The recall of Simpson is bittersweet for the Solar Bears. Naturally, everyone is happy for him to be going back to Belleville, yet his contribution to the Bears is one that can’t go unnoticed. The Orlando Solar Bears hosts the Florida Everblades this Monday evening (Nov. 11)! If you have never experienced the excitement of a hockey game, grab some tickets and come on out to the KIA Center and be part of the crowd! Help cheer on our Solar Bears!!!
