ECHL Cincinnati Cyclones

Cyclones Affiliate with Panthers, Americans

Published on August 4, 2010 under ECHL (ECHL)
Cincinnati Cyclones News Release


CINCINNATI, Ohio -- The Cincinnati Cyclones announced today that they have entered into a minor league affiliation agreement with the Florida Panthers (NHL) and Rochester Americans (AHL) for the 2010-11 season.

The Florida Panthers will begin their seventeenth year in the NHL this fall. In 2009-10, the Panthers finished fourth in a tightly contested Southeast Division. While the Washington Capitals ran away with the race, only six points separated the second and fourth place teams. Peter DeBoer enters his third year as the Panthers head coach, while former Columbus Blue Jackets assistant Gord Murphy joins the club as an assistant. DeBoer skated in his final season as a player in 1991 with the Milwaukee Admirals (IHL), and was teammates with former Cyclones forward Todd Hawkins.

At the American Hockey League (AHL) level, the Cyclones will be affiliated with the Rochester Americans - who are now lead by former Cincinnati coach Chuck Weber. The Americans are one of the oldest franchises in the AHL, celebrating their 54th consecutive season in the American Hockey League in 2009-10. Last season, Rochester finished second in the North Division with a 44-33-2-1 record. They have earned a spot in the Calder Cup Playoffs in four of the last seven years.

"We're very excited to be joining the Florida Panthers family," said Cyclones Owner Ray Harris. "They are dedicated to building hockey and its talent from the ground up. There is also a great comfort level knowing that Chuck Weber will be in the fold as well."

"We are very pleased to have entered into an affiliation agreement with Cincinnati," said Florida Panthers Assistant GM Mike Santos." The entire Cyclones organization has done a tremendous job developing players in a healthy and winning environment over the last several years. With Rochester and Cincinnati, we are now associated with two great organizations that are committed to helping our prospects grow and develop into complete players."

The defending Kelly Cup Champion Cyclones open their home schedule on Saturday, October 30 at U.S. Bank Arena against the Wheeling Nailers. Discounted ticket packages for the 2010-2011 season are available now. For more information, call 513.421.PUCK (7825) extension 3 or visit CyclonesHockey.com.

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