27-year-old Rob Madore has signed a two-way contract with the Toronto Marlies and Orlando Solar Bears for the 2015-16 season. Madore (5-11, 188 lbs) spent most of his pro career playing for ECHL and AHL teams, including the Charlotte Checkers, San Antonio Rampage, Florida Everblades, and Cincinnati Cyclones.

In the 2013-2014 season he led the Cincinnati Cyclones to the Kelly Cup Finals, and despite the loss was named league playoff MVP.

Cincinnati Cyclones goaltender Rob Madore was named Most Valuable Player of the 2014 Kelly Cup Playoffs, becoming the first player from the losing team to win the award in the ECHL's 26-year history. Madore played every second for the Cyclones in the playoffs, posting a 14-10 record with a 2.29 goals-against average and a .930 save percentage. Madore led all goaltenders in the postseason in games played (24), wins (14), minutes played (1,493) and saves (756). He's the fourth Cyclone to earn the accolades; in 2008, David Desharnais was named the Kelly Cup Playoffs MVP after Cincinnati's first title. Then, in 2010, goaltenders Robert Mayer and Jeremy Smith were honored as co-winners. (Source)

In 2014-15, he played 46 games for the Cyclones, ending with an overall GAA of 2.64, and SV% of 0.905, including four shutouts.

According to the Solar Bears press release,

Madore (5-11, 188 lbs.) has appeared in 117 regular season games in his ECHL career with Cincinnati, Florida, Evansville, and Chicago, posting a 52-46-15 record with a 2.79 GAA, a .907 save percentage, and six shutouts. He has played 17 games in the AHL with the Charlotte Checkers and San Antonio Rampage, going 6-7-1 with a 2.32 GAA, .933 save percentage, and two shutouts. During the 2014 Kelly Cup Playoffs, Madore went 14-10 with a .930 save percentage and 2.29 GAA, including helping the Cyclones defeat the Solar Bears in the first round.

Prior to going pro, Madore graduated from the University of Vermont, playing four seasons of NCAA hockey. His play has garnered attention from Solar Bears head coach Anthony Noreen, who said, "Rob Madore is the exact type of player we want in this organization. He is an elite goaltender that competes every day and will provide leadership for our group on and off the ice."

Is this a sign that Garret Sparks is not long for the ECHL? Sad days for Orlando, but we're also glad to see Sparks rise.

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