For Immediate Release: August 4, 2016
WELLAR NAMED ASSISTANT COACH
Twelve-Year Pro Set to Begin Coaching Career
Cincinnati, OH- Cincinnati Cyclones Head Coach Matt Macdonald has announced that Patrick Wellar has been named the new Cyclones Assistant Coach. Wellar joins the Cyclones’ staff after a successful pro-hockey career, which included three ECHL Kelly Cup championships and a Calder Cup championship in the American Hockey League (AHL). Wellar has spent the last two seasons with the Utah Grizzlies and Alaska Aces as a player-assistant coach.
“Patrick will be a great piece to add to our staff this season. He is coming off a 12 year professional career where he was fortunate to be apart of 4 different championship teams,” remarked Macdonald. “He is a person who knows the game very well and can help to develop the players next season to be successful not only in the ECHL with us, but also grow as players in order to move up in the hockey ranks.”
A native of Carrot River, SK, Wellar has appeared in 747 professional games over his 12-year career, with 441 coming in the ECHL and 306 in the AHL. Known for his tough, physical presence on the ice, the former defenseman racked up 1,223 penalty minutes over the course of his 747-game pro career.
His time in the ECHL saw stops with the Aces, Grizzlies, Columbia Inferno, Peoria Rivermen, Reading Royals, and South Carolina Stingrays, accounting for 31 goals and 97 assists for 128 total points.
"I am extremely honored to be joining the Cincinnati Cyclones organization and I'm very grateful to Matt Macdonald for the opportunity to serve as his assistant Coach,” commented Wellar. “I look forward to helping our young athletes realize their dreams, while helping Matt assemble a team this organization and city will be proud of."
The 2002, third round draft pick of the Washington Capitals also had tremendous success in the playoffs at the ECHL level, helping lead Alaska (2006), South Carolina (2009) and Reading (2013) to Kelly Cup championships. In 91 career ECHL playoff games, Wellar amassed six goals and 18 assists for 24 points.
Wellar’s AHL service included time with the Hershey Bears, Peoria Rivermen, Toronto Marlies, and Worcester IceCats. He accounted for 51 points (8g, 43a) in the AHL, including a Calder Cup championship with Hershey in 2010.
“Pat has already gained some experience as being a player/assistant coach over the past two seasons, and knows the hard work it takes to be a coach. He is willing to put the dedication in to making our team successful,” continued Macdonald. “We as an organization are very fortunate to add a person with his type of character and work ethic, and are very happy to welcome him to the Cyclones family this season.”
Prior to turning pro, the 32-year-old spent parts of six seasons in the Western Hockey League with the Portland Winterhawks and Calgary Hitmen. In 247 WHL games he accounted for 16 goals and 42 assists for 58 points.
The countdown to the 2016-17 First Face-Off is underway! The Cyclones will return to U.S. Bank Arena on Saturday, October 15 when they host the Indy Fuel at 7:35pm. Between now and then, be on the lookout for several offseason events like Meijer Concrete Clones! Additionally, 2016-17 Season Ticket Packages are available NOW! Call 513.421.PUCK to reserve your seats. Fans can also get the latest team updates throughout the offseason on Facebook, Twitter (@CincyCyclones), and Instagram, along with our website, www.cycloneshockey.com!
