CINCINNATI, Ohio – There is excited anticipation in the Tri-State at the start of each hockey season. This year, in particular, as the Cyclones begin their second year in affiliation with the NHL Buffalo Sabres.
Added reason for optimism is the hiring of a new coaching staff, led by Head Coach Matt Thomas. Most recently, Thomas has been in the college coaching ranks in the wilds of Alaska. He has spent the past five seasons at the University Of Alaska-Anchorage. Thomas returns to the ECHL, where he has had great success having coached a record number of playoff games and several Riley/Kelly Cup winning squads.
”I’m looking forward to watching our team grow and develop as players and as members of the greater Cincinnati community,” said Thomas, who enters the 2018-19 campaign as the league’s sixth-winningest coach, based on a record of 342-225-80.
The Cyclones named Jason Payne as Assistant Coach. The one-time Cincinnati Mighty Duck (AHL) and Dayton Bomber (ECHL) is aware of the local fan base’s love of sports, and passion for their teams. He has coached at many levels and specializes in teaching precision skating and game related techniques.
Returning in a new role is forward Justin Vaive as a Player/Assistant Coach. He led the squad in goals with 32 last season, including several hat tricks and a 4-point (1g-3a ) night in a win over the Quad City Mallards. Vaive has stated that he is excited to return to the Cyclones and Cincinnati for another season.
The ‘Clones split a pair of preseason games with the long-time rival Wheeling Nailers. The contests are usually spirited and physical. The ‘Clones won the tilt in Wheeling, but lost in a shootout on Saturday in Cincy.
GOALTENDING- Returning second-year player Jonas Johannson and veteran netminder Michael Houser are a good tandem, bolstered by returnee Hayden Stewart. Houser is in his third stint in a ‘Clones sweater after spending last season in Fort Wayne backstopping the Komets to the playoffs.
DEFENSE- The Cyclones return their core blueliners Chris Leone, Arvin Atwal, Anthony Florentino, Devante Stevens and Eric Knodel. Adding Mitch Jones in a trade with Maine and rookies Andrew Tessier, Andrew DeBrincat and Nick Minerva. This is a good mix of veteran and newcomers as all absorb the Matt Thomas system.
OFFENSE- As noted earlier, the team returns last season’s leading scorer and a hard working group of forwards/centermen which includes Dominic Zombo, Jesse Shultz, and Jordan Sims. Newcomer Jeff Smith and rookies Alex Roos, Pascal Aquin, Spencer Dorowicz, Shaw Boomhower, Vasili Glotov, Jeff Murray, Justin Levac, Nate Mitton and Judd Peterson round out the lineup.
This squad will likely take a bit to come together in all phases of the game. The returning players, as well as new faces, are a building in progress. Yet, there is well-founded optimism, as a new coaching staff gets going on the ice. Special teams play will develop in due time as line combinations are settled in.
The ‘Clones open the season against the Fort Wayne Komets on Saturday October 13th at US Bank Arena in Cincinnati.
Contact the writer: Rob.Huelsman@prohockeynews.com
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