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Mar. 21—BEMIDJI — Tony Follmer's introduction to the Orlando Solar Bears fanbase was abrupt, to say the least.
Follmer wrapped up his senior season with the Bemidji State men's hockey team last Saturday. He started fielding ECHL offers on Monday.
Three days later, Follmer was in an Orlando pizza parlor donning Solar Bears apparel.
"I just came back from a player appearance thing at a pizza shop," Follmer said in a phone call with the Pioneer on Thursday night. "The whole team was there for season-ticket holders. I feel like I've been doing everything so far. A couple people knew who I was already. They've got some die-hard fans down here."
Follmer became the second Beaver to sign an ECHL deal this week, joining goaltender Mattias Sholl, who inked with the Greenville Swamp Rabbits on Wednesday.
The now former teammates were equally enthused with the sudden climate change.
"Shollsy and I got really lucky with the weather," Follmer quipped. "When I heard it was Orlando, the weather was the first thing I was excited about. But I'm just ready to get my pro career started and see where it goes."
In four seasons, Follmer was a three-time CCHA All-Academic Team member, the same for the ACHA/Krampade All-American Scholar selections. Follmer was also a two-time CCHA Scholar-Athlete.
In 129 games, Follmer scored three goals and had nine assists. His four years at BSU were as a shutdown defensive defenseman who killed penalties and blocked shots.
"It'll translate great, especially with this team," Follmer said. "In talking with the coaches, we already went over their systems in each zone. They're expecting me to be a shut-down guy. I saw the whole team as we practiced today, too, and they're all working hard on that defensive side of the game. I think I'll fit in."
Follmer's hectic week started slower than he hoped. After his agent got his information in the hands of ECHL organizations, he spent all of Tuesday waiting for offers.
On Wednesday, he got tired of waiting. He went to the Sanford Center to get a workout in, then his phone rang.
"I got a call from a random number," Follmer said. "I was like, 'Well, this has to be someone.' It was (Orlando), and I wasn't really sure if my agent had heard from them yet so I didn't say if I'd go there or wait or whatever. I talked it over with my family, fiance and agent, and it just seemed like a really good option."
Follmer's "good option" comes after another with BSU.
"I made a lot of great memories," Follmer said. "I met lifelong friends I'll forever. One of the best decisions I've ever made was going to Bemidji State."
Continue reading...
Follmer wrapped up his senior season with the Bemidji State men's hockey team last Saturday. He started fielding ECHL offers on Monday.
Three days later, Follmer was in an Orlando pizza parlor donning Solar Bears apparel.
"I just came back from a player appearance thing at a pizza shop," Follmer said in a phone call with the Pioneer on Thursday night. "The whole team was there for season-ticket holders. I feel like I've been doing everything so far. A couple people knew who I was already. They've got some die-hard fans down here."
Follmer became the second Beaver to sign an ECHL deal this week, joining goaltender Mattias Sholl, who inked with the Greenville Swamp Rabbits on Wednesday.
The now former teammates were equally enthused with the sudden climate change.
"Shollsy and I got really lucky with the weather," Follmer quipped. "When I heard it was Orlando, the weather was the first thing I was excited about. But I'm just ready to get my pro career started and see where it goes."
In four seasons, Follmer was a three-time CCHA All-Academic Team member, the same for the ACHA/Krampade All-American Scholar selections. Follmer was also a two-time CCHA Scholar-Athlete.
In 129 games, Follmer scored three goals and had nine assists. His four years at BSU were as a shutdown defensive defenseman who killed penalties and blocked shots.
"It'll translate great, especially with this team," Follmer said. "In talking with the coaches, we already went over their systems in each zone. They're expecting me to be a shut-down guy. I saw the whole team as we practiced today, too, and they're all working hard on that defensive side of the game. I think I'll fit in."
Follmer's hectic week started slower than he hoped. After his agent got his information in the hands of ECHL organizations, he spent all of Tuesday waiting for offers.
On Wednesday, he got tired of waiting. He went to the Sanford Center to get a workout in, then his phone rang.
"I got a call from a random number," Follmer said. "I was like, 'Well, this has to be someone.' It was (Orlando), and I wasn't really sure if my agent had heard from them yet so I didn't say if I'd go there or wait or whatever. I talked it over with my family, fiance and agent, and it just seemed like a really good option."
Follmer's "good option" comes after another with BSU.
"I made a lot of great memories," Follmer said. "I met lifelong friends I'll forever. One of the best decisions I've ever made was going to Bemidji State."
Continue reading...
