Cyclones hit parking lots for summer

 
CINCINNATI , Ohio – The Kelly Cup Winners are now making their annual tour of local Grocery store parking lots in what is known as the Concrete ‘Clones Tour. It is a street hockey clinic taught by Cyclones coaches and players. The participants are given a few pointers by Cyclones and a chance to sharpen the skills learned. The clinic ends with a meal of a hot dog and sports drink provided by sponsors John Morrell and Powerade. The next clinic will be on July 24 in Florence, Kentucky.
 
Next is the news that Dean Stork has become the head coach of the Greenville Road Warriors. Stork spent time as both a Cyclones player during his career as well as assistant coach the past four seasons. Dean was always candid and accessible during his time in Cincy and well liked by both players and fans. We all wish Dean well in his new position as a head coach and look forward to seeing the changes he will bring to the former Johnstown Chiefs franchise.
 
On a sad note, long time voice of the Cyclones and media relations director John Hamel has not been retained by the club. Hammer was a joy to listen to during the past seasons either on the radio or over the internet. He is a knowledgeable hockey broadcaster with a unique personal style. He will undoubtedly be missed by the fans and those of us in the media who had a chance to have worked with him.
 
So far player news this summer is that playoff scoring leader Dustin Sproat will be spending the next season with Nottingham in the English league. Sproat was an integral part of last seasons championship squad and a popular player with the Cyclones fans. No further rumors of player movement have surfaced here yet, but expectations are that several may follow Dean Stork to Greenville.
 
There is also anxiety that head coach Chuck Weber may leave for the AHL or NHL having led the team to four playoff appearances in four years with two Kelly Cup Championships to his credit. Weber has said that if he is coaching at the ECHL level it will be in Cincinnati. That leaves a lot of room for moving up a level or two if the right opportunity arose for him. The Championships may make him a desirable addition to an upper level team looking for a solid, fundamentals coach who can work with young developing players as well as veterans. Weber has so far kept things close to the vest and thus the anxiety for the Cyclones faithful to endure this offseason.
 
The Kelly Cup has been making the rounds here in Cincinnati since early morning of the night the team brought the Cup back to Cincy in late May. Many fans have had drinks from the Cup as well as pictures with it this summer.  
  Contact the writer at Rob.Huelsman@prohockeynews.com