Fresh off its second Brabham Cup in team history, our Cincinnati Cyclones are set to take the ECHL by storm for another action-packed season of hockey. Despite suffering a heartbreaking loss in Game Five of the Central Division Finals, head coach Matt Thomas sees that there is much to build on for this team. He is setting his sights on another Brabham Cup for having the best regular-season record in the league, and this time finishing with an ECHL championship.
Here at Kings Ford Quick Lane, we are huge hockey fans. We love everything from our kid’s high school hockey teams to the ECHL teams and the NHL games. And while our favorite NHL teams might differ, we love going to see the Cyclones face off against their opponents.
A New Season with New Opportunities
The Cyclones opened their season on October 12, skating into action against the Wheeling Nailers, entertaining fans with their exciting brand of hockey. U.S. Bank Arena, the home of the Cyclones, is a great place to see the hottest game on ice, with seating for over 17,000 fans, excellent sightlines, and some of the best concessions in the league. Fans can choose from chicken nachos, French fries, tater tots, hometown favorite Graeters ice cream, pretzels, Skyline Chili Nachos, Glier’s Goetta dogs, and Glier’s brats.
Feeling thirsty? There are plenty of beers to choose from at U.S. Bank Arena, including Blue Moon, Coors Light, Labatt Draft, 50 West, Miller Lite, Taft’s, and Pabst Blue Ribbon. Join in the tradition of your fellow Cyclone fans by building your own Beeramid! Plus, the arena is conveniently located right next door to the Great American Ballpark, with plenty of parking for all events.
This season, the Cyclones will host 36 regular-season games, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to come out and see the hometown players skate to victory.
Twister, all 202 pounds of windblown muscle, and his pal Puckchop will be happy to see you cheer on the ‘Clones. See Twister do his trademark headstand in person as he shows why he is the coolest mascot in the entire ECHL.
New Players Join a Solid Core
The core of the Cyclones returns for another season, led by team points leader Jesse Schultz at right-wing, who contributed a powerful 80 points, center Brady Vail, who scored 27 goals, and defenseman Tobie Bisson, who contributed 24 assists. Goalie Michael Houser will again be between the pipes after winning 29 games with a stingy 2.13 goals-against average, and a strong 0.922 saves percentage.
Not content to rest on the prior year’s success, the Cyclones have added a number of top rookies who will be making their ECHL debut this season. Rookie goaltender Sean Romeo has joined the team, as well as defensemen Justin Baudry, Theo Calvas, and Kurt Gosselin, and forwards Shaw Boomhower, Ryan Siroky, Jake Smith, and John Wiitala.
As the ECHL affiliate of the Buffalo Sabres, the team will provide a great opportunity for these young players to get ready for the big day when they reach the NHL. All these young players will do a great job of supplementing the solid core of the Cyclones.
Award-Winning Head Coach Returns
Head coach Matt Thomas returns to lead the Cyclones to another great season. Thomas won the John Brophy Award for ECHL coach of the year in his first season at the helm of the Cyclones. You could say that Thomas blew into town like a Cyclone, and has continued to whip the ‘Clones opponents with his great leadership.
The team went an astounding 51 and 13 to lead the Central Division. Of those 13 losses, only five came during regulation, with the remaining eight coming either in overtime or in a shootout. That was a quantum leap for the ‘Clones, who improved by 12 wins and 29 points over the prior season.
Even though the team lost in game five of the Central Division championship last season, our folks at Kings Ford Quick Lane and our fellow ‘Clones fans will be out in force to support them in what is sure to be another winning season.
The Cyclones rewarded Thomas for his excellent work behind the bench with a multi-year contract. The team also brought back popular team captain and assistant coach Justin Vaive for his sixth season as a ‘Clone after scoring 19 goals and adding 15 assists in 65 games. Thomas will be joined behind the bench for another season by veteran player Jason Payne, the team’s Assistant Coach.
A Full Calendar of Fun Events and Promotions this Season!
Every home game during this Cincinnati Cyclones season will feature something special for every loyal fan. Bring your best friend down to the game against the Komets on November 6 with a special Pups N Pucks tickets, and join all fans in enjoying $1 Miller High Life and Pabst Blue Ribbon beers all game long.
Show your support for those working to end hate on November 8 at Shutout the Hate night. Introduce your kids to the greatest sport on ice on November 12 with a special Field Trip Day, featuring a 10:30 game start against the Americans. Enjoy $1 Pabst Blue Ribbon Beers and Miller High Life on November 14, November 27, and December 11, and learn how to build your own Beeramid.
If you love superheroes, you are going to have a blast at DC Comics Night on November 16. Watch the ‘Clones wear special Batman jerseys as they are joined by all of your favorite DC super heroes. Get pumped for WWE Night, when the Cyclones welcome your favorite WWE wrestlers on November 22! The first 3,000 fans will get free Cyclone Luchador masks.
For those of you who love royalty, November 23 is Princess Night, as the Cyclones welcome all of your favorite Princesses who will be available for autographs and photo opportunities. May the Force be with you and the Cyclones on the weekend of December 13 and 14, as you can enjoy Star Wars Weekend. The team will welcome all of your favorite characters from the Galaxy Far, Far Away, and the team will wear special Star Wars jerseys celebrating the 20th anniversary of Episode 1: The Phantom Menace.
As an added bonus, the jerseys will be auctioned off after Saturday’s game. Want to spend a memorable New Year’s Eve while you ring in 2020? Forget about Times Square! Come to the Cyclones game against the Swamp Rabbits, and enjoy the amazing, family friendly indoor fireworks celebration after the game. Don’t forget: every Friday Cincinnati Cyclones home game this season is a 513 night, as all fans can enjoy $5 craft beers, $1 sodas, and $3 cheeseburgers during the game, so bring along your appetite. Come down to U.S. Bank Arena to cheer on the ‘Clones, and stay out of the penalty box with your friends and family!