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Cincinnati Cyclones

Matt Macdonald Named Cyclones Head Coach

August 12, 2014 - ECHL (ECHL)
Cincinnati Cyclones News Release


CINCINNATI, Ohio - The Cincinnati Cyclones, proud affiliate of the NHL's Florida Panthers and Nashville Predators, announced today that 31-year-old Matt Macdonald has been named the eighth Head Coach in club history.

Macdonald, a Niagara Falls, Ontario native, takes over the helm from Ben Simon, who accepted the position of Assistant Coach with the Toronto Marlies on August 5. Since beginning his coaching career in 2012-13, Macdonald has helped contribute to the Cyclones back-to-back Eastern Conference Finals appearances. As a player, he spent parts of three seasons in the Queen City, logging 119 regular season games and 44 points (5 goals, 39 assists). Macdonald also contributed with 14 tallies (5 goals, 9 assists) in 44 Kelly Cup Playoff games and was a member of Cincinnati's first-ever Kelly Cup title in 2008. During that season, he served as an Assistant Captain.

"This is one of the best organizations in the league," said Macdonald. "To be taking over after the success we've had in the past few of years and as a player here, makes me feel honored and privileged. To be able to take the reins of this organization is something I've always wanted to do. There's no other place I'd rather be."

In addition to his ECHL experience, the former defenseman also saw time in the American Hockey League, Central Hockey League, and in Denmark. Collectively, he skated in 385 games as a professional and collected 133 points (30 goals, 103 assists) with 732 career penalty minutes. While playing in Denmark during the 2010-11 campaign, he helped his team capture a Bronze Medal and was a Danish Cup Champion. Prior to going pro, Macdonald was a four-year letter winner at St. Lawrence University, where he amassed 30 points (14 goals, 16 assists) and 131 penalty minutes in 118 career collegiate games.

"This is a well-deserved promotion for Matt," said Cyclones President Ray Harris. "Over the years, he has proven himself to be an exemplary leader both on and off the ice. We're very excited to see him carry on the winning tradition he has helped build here in Cincinnati."

"It is always our hope to promote from within the organization and Matt certainly deserves this call up," said Cyclones General Manager Kristin Ropp. "I look forward to working with him again this season and seeing him in this new role."

Macdonald resides in Cincinnati with his wife, Erin, and their one-year-old daughter, Hazel.

The countdown to the 2014-15 First Face-Off is underway! The Cyclones will return for another season of hockey at U.S. Bank Arena on Saturday, October 25 when they play host to the Kalamazoo Wings at 7:30pm. Fans can also get the latest team updates throughout the offseason on Facebook and Twitter (@CincyCyclones).

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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