Cyclones news sparse for the off season

CINCINNATI, OHIO – I am missing hockey something terrible right now. Therefore, that is why the dog days of summer are so boring. There is very little news coming out of the Cyclones other than a few player signings, and the summer Concrete Clones street hockey program each Saturday. The heat index over the past several weeks has been at or over 100 degrees making it uncomfortable to be outside let alone involved in physical activities as street hockey.
 
Last month I wrote a primer on how to capture your best shots of your favorite team with your digital camera. For the majority of you this is an area that can increase your enjoyment and memories of each game or season. For the serious photographers in the crowd, this can be an area of great enjoyment as you capture those classic hits and spectacular goals. The higher end digital SLR/lens combo allows for the ability to record these moments to share with family, friends, and sometimes the players themselves. If you have not had the chance to read this, I encourage you to look it up in the miscellaneous section of PHN.
 
On the rumor side of the fence, last year’s team Captain Barret Ehgoetz has not yet been signed to a contract for the upcoming season. This has so far caused some consternation among the fan faithful who expected the Captain to return. It would be a shame to see such a fine player leave. The Cyclones do not comment on unsigned players so there is no way to know at the time of this writing if Ehgo will return.
 
Fan favorite Dustin Sproat is said to be deciding on pursuing his graduate degree and may be retiring from professional hockey. There is also the possibility that he will sign with the ‘Clones for yet another campaign. Sproater is a class individual and would be missed greatly for his offensive skills and leadership on the ice. Additionally, his community involvement is an asset to the Cincinnati area with the Hockey Players for Kids charity he founded several years ago.
 
So far, returnees include Mike Liambas and Mathieu Aubin. Aubin has been a member of both Kelly Cup winning squads and can be a beast in front of the opposition goal. As a leader in the locker room Auby has the ability to keep things light and yet is a hard worker who sets a great example for the younger members of the squad.
 
Liambas has shown his tough guy skills often since his acquisition late last season. He has looked forward to his return to the Queen City since leaving for home at the end of last season.
 
Rookie signings of a notable nature have picked up a bit. Forward Nathan Moon and blueliner Ryan Annesly have each signed for the upcoming campaign. Both youngsters are prized by Coach Skalde for their scoring skills and puck control.
Moon is a 2008 draft choice of the Pittsburgh Penguins taken in the fourth round. The 21 year old was a mainstay for the Kingston Frontenacs of the Ontario Hockey League prior to finishing last season with the CHL Bossier/Shreveport Mudbugs.
 
Annesly is finished with his college eligibility and will be embarking on his first professional season as a Cyclone.
 
Contact the Author/Photographer at Rob.Huelsman@Prohockeynews.com