Hockey is gearing up for a dramatic return to Orlando when the Orlando Solar Bears skate onto the icy surface of the Amway Center for their first match on October 20th and 1059 SUNNY FM’s very own Paco Lopez will be there as the official PA announcer.

The ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Minnesota Wild and AHL’s Houston Aeros, the Orlando Solar Bears will be turning out 36 regular season home games this year and Paco is thrilled to be in on the action. “I’m very excited to be a part of the team that’s bringing professional hockey back to Central Florida,” Paco told us after the announcement of his participation was made official today. “I can’t wait till the puck drops in October!”

As a long time hockey fan, being named the PA announcer for the Orlando Solar Bears is a dream come true for Paco. According to Paco, “I’ve been a hockey fan ever since the early 90s. When I was in New York, I followed the Rangers. The year they won the Stanley Cup was crazy!  Everyone got caught up in the excitement. I was at a couple of playoff games between the Rangers and the NJ Devils prior to them winning the cup.  Then in Tampa Bay (where he was raised) when the Lightening came to town, I became a fan and follower of the Bolts! Now, it’s so crazy to believe I’m actually part of a professional franchise!”

In addition to Paco, John Magrino, who handles the PA for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Bryan “Bull” Sklover will serve as alternate PA Announcers.

Make sure to listen to 1059 SUNNY FM in the coming weeks for your opportunity to score tickets to the Orlando Solar Bears season opener on October 20th at the Amway Center.