Michael Ladyman of the Mount Royal Men's Hockey team has signed a professional contract with the Orlando Solar Bears of the ECHL, marking the next step in his career following 4 seasons with the Cougars. The Solar Bears serve as the ECHL affiliate of the Tampa Bay Lightning.

With over 100 U SPORTS games played to his name, Michael Ladyman has been a reliable presence on the Mount Royal University blue line, anchoring the Cougars' defence with poise, vision and reliability. After earning U SPORTS West All-Rookie Team honours in 2022–23, he developed into a well-rounded defenceman and departs the program ranked among the top 10 in scoring by a defenceman in team history.

Over the course of his 4 seasons at Mount Royal, Ladyman has been the standard bearer of consistency. Ladyman has appeared in every regular season game without exception and has been a key contributor to the success of the men's hockey program during a time in which the program attained their highest level of success. Regularly trusted in every situation, Ladyman helped lead the Cougars to back-to-back Canada West Final appearances and consecutive trips to the U SPORTS University Cup.

In Orlando, Ladyman joins a Solar Bears team currently sitting seventh in the ECHL's South Division and are on the outside looking in when it comes to the playoff picture. Despite their position in the standings, the Solar Bears organization have built a strong presence in the local sports scene and has one of the league's most dedicated fan bases, making it a unique market for Ladyman to begin his professional career. Ladyman's style of play positions himself to make a seamless transition and apply his skills at the pro level. 

Beyond the scoresheet, Ladyman is a multi-time Academic All Canadian and has demonstrated a level of commitment and consistency that personifies what it means to wear the Cougar crest.