(Photo Courtesy of the Orlando Solar Bears) The Orlando Solar Bears [https://thehockeynews.com/echl/latest-news/solar-bears-to-host-nhl-pre-season-game]announced that Matt Macdonald has been named Head Coach and General Manager, the sixth head coach in Solar Bears franchise history. The 42-year-old Macdonald has spent the last seven seasons as an Assistant Coach in the American Hockey League [https://thehockeynews.com/ahl/], most recently with the Bridgeport Islanders (2023-25), and previously with the Grand Rapids Griffins (2018-23). “We are thrilled to welcome Matt Macdonald and his family to our Solar Bears family,” said Chris Heller, President of the Orlando Solar Bears. “His passion for the game, commitment to player development, and proven leadership make him the ideal person to guide our team forward. We’re excited for what the future holds under his direction and can’t wait to get started.” This is not Macdonald’s first stint in the ECHL. He also spent six seasons behind the bench for the Cincinnati Cyclones [https://thehockeynews.com/echl/latest-news/cyclones-announce-schedule-change-for-upcoming-season], including four years as Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations. In those four seasons, the Cyclones tallied a 142-116-16-14 record and two appearances in the Kelly Cup Playoffs. “I’m truly honored to be named Head Coach and General Manager of the Orlando Solar Bears,” Macdonald said in a news release. “This is a first-class organization with a strong tradition and a passionate fan base. I’m grateful to the DeVos Family, Alex Martins, and Chris Heller for the opportunity and the trust that has been placed in me. I look forward to working with our players, staff, and the entire community as we build something special together.” During his playing career, the Niagara Falls, Ont. native skated in seven professional seasons as a defenseman, logging 385 career games between the CHL (2005-06), ECHL [https://thehockeynews.com/echl/](2006-09), AHL (2007-09), Italy (2009-10; 2011-12) and Denmark (2010-11). Macdonald combined for 133 points (30-103-133), and 601 penalty minutes. Macdonald also appeared in 66 playoff games in his playing career, 44 as a member of the Cincinnati Cyclones, where he scored 14 points (5-9-14), earned 71 penalty minutes, and helped lead Cincinnati to its first ever Kelly Cup title in 2008. Macdonald played college hockey at St. Lawrence University (2001-05), where he had 30 points (14-16-30) in 118 games. The Solar Bears’ new bench boss will be relocating to Orlando with his wife, Erin, their daughter Hazel, and son, Max.
