The Orlando Solar Bears have secured the return of defenseman Kade Landry for the upcoming 2026‑27 ECHL season, confirming a deal that reunites the 27‑year‑old with the franchise after a brief stint with the Idaho Steelheads.
Landry’s journey to Orlando is rooted in a decorated junior and collegiate career that includes three Atlantic University Sports Conference titles and two University Cup championships during his four‑year tenure at the University of New Brunswick.
During his USports stint he posted 82 points — 14 goals and 68 assists — across 99 games while posting a plus‑88 rating, numbers that underscore his offensive contribution and defensive reliability.
The blue‑liner also captured the J. Ross Robertson Cup with the Barrie Bulldogs in 2017‑18, capping a five‑year Ontario Hockey League run that yielded 133 points in 248 games.
In the ECHL, Landry has accumulated 32 points — three goals and 29 assists — over 82 games, complemented by 18 penalty minutes and eight Kelly Cup playoff appearances with the Everblades.
After a 2025‑26 campaign that was cut short by injury, he logged five points in eight games for Orlando before the setback, a performance that helped the team secure a playoff berth.
Landry, a native of Wallace, Ontario, will bring a blend of physicality and playmaking to a Solar Bears roster that is looking to build on its recent successes.
What the Return Means for the Club
The addition of Landry provides the Bears with a proven defensive anchor and a power‑play threat, factors that could prove decisive in tightly contested matchups.
Coaching staff have highlighted his leadership qualities, noting that his experience in high‑stakes playoff environments will be invaluable as the team navigates the rigors of a full season.
Fans can expect to see the blue‑liner’s familiar brand of hard‑hitting, responsible defense paired with occasional offensive bursts that have defined his career.
Looking Ahead
With the 2026‑27 schedule on the horizon, the Solar Bears are poised to integrate Landry into their defensive pairings while gradually increasing his ice time.
The club’s management believes that his familiarity with the ECHL’s physical style, combined with his collegiate discipline, will help maintain consistency across all zones.