Texas Tornado D-Man Solorzano Makes Milestone Debut

Texas Tornado Defenseman Mico Solorzano Makes Milestone Debut

FRISCO – September 30, 2009 – Mico Solorzano of the Texas Tornado made a milestone jump last weekend when he suited up against the Topeka RoadRunners. Solorzano started the season off with the Texas Tornado U18 team of the NAPHL. His move to the Texas Tornado of the NAHL marks the first time a player has graduated from the league.

The North American Prospects Hockey League is a collection of Tier I Midget AAA teams created to serve as a developmental league for the NAHL. This is the NAPHL’s inaugural season, never having a player called to the NAHL until now. Solorzano’s exceptional play at the midget level has quickly earned him a spot at the junior level where he debuted last weekend in the Tornado home opener against the Topeka RoadRunners.

After just 5 games in the young NAPHL season the 17-year-old Solorzano had accumulated 7 points, good enough to be third in the league in points overall and first among defensemen. His 3 goals also led all NAPHL defensemen. His most memorable game in his short NAPHL career was a 2-1 win against the Green Bay Jr Gamblers in which Solorzano notched both goals for his team.

His scoring presence was felt early as a new member of the NAHL Tornado as he scored in Saturday’s game against Topeka, just his second game with the junior team.

Solorzano will wear number 23 for the Tornado.

Since their inception in 1999, the Texas Tornado has set the standard for excellence for junior hockey in the United States. Besides their three straight National Championships from 2004-2006 the Tornado has won seven NAHL Regular Season Division titles and had seven straight 40+ win seasons from 1999-2007. Their seventh straight division crown in 2007 tied a 30-year NAHL record, and their seven straight 40+ win seasons is an NAHL record. The Tornado have developed and moved on over 80 players in nine years onto NCAA and professional teams.