ERIC KNODEL SET TO RETURN TO CYCLONES

ERIC KNODEL SET TO RETURN TO CYCLONES

For Immediate Release: September 1, 2017

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

ERIC KNODEL SET TO RETURN TO CYCLONES

Cincinnati’s All-Star Rearguard Back for a Second Season

 

Cincinnati, OH- The Cincinnati Cyclones, proud ECHL affiliate of the American Hockey League’s (AHL) Rochester Americans and the National Hockey League’s (NHL) Buffalo Sabres, have re-signed defenseman Eric Knodel to a Standard Player Contract (SPC) for the 2017-18 season.

“This was a very important signing for us this off-season,” remarked Cyclones Head Coach Matt Macdonald. “Eric has proven to be a top defenseman in the ECHL, and was a big piece to our defensive core last season. He can play in all situations and is a leader on the ice and in the dressing room for us.”

The 6’6”, 225-pound blueliner skated in 58 games last season and led the team in defenseman scoring with eight goals and 20 assists, and was tied for third with a plus-7 on-ice rating. He was one of the ECHL’s top defensemen at the midway point of the season, and for his efforts he was awarded a spot in the 2017 CCM/ECHL All-Star Classic in Glens Falls. He also took part in the All-Star Hardest Shot competition, where he finished in second place with a shot of 96mph.

“I am very excited to be coming back to Cincinnati,” commented Knodel. “I had a great experience last year, and really enjoyed the city and our great fans. I’m looking forward to the start of the season, and continuing the success we found in the second half of last year.”

Knodel split the 2015-16 season between the Utah Grizzlies and the AHL’s San Diego Gulls. In 56 games with the Grizzlies, Knodel accounted for 22 points (7g, 15a), along with 16 penalty minutes and a plus-7 on-ice rating. He skated in four games with the Gulls, however did not record a point.

His first full pro season was 2014-15 where he saw time with the Orlando Solar Bears and the AHL’s Toronto Marlies. In 57 combined games that year, Knodel accounted for five goals and 22 assists along with a plus-16 on-ice rating. He began his pro career in 2014 with the Marlies, following completion of his collegiate career. He dished out a pair of assists in 10 games.

Prior to turning pro, Knodel spent four seasons at the University of New Hampshire, and was named captain during his season year in 2013-14. In 116 games for the Wildcats, he accounted for 20 goals and 41 assists for 61 total points, including a career-high 28 (7g, 21a) during his senior year.

The march towards 2017 First Face-Off is ON! The Cincinnati Cyclones return to U.S. Bank Arena on Saturday, October 14, when they take on the Kalamazoo Wings. In the meantime, we invite you to stay tuned in the coming weeks for information on tickets and promotions for the 2017-18 season, great offseason events like Concrete Clones, player signings, and MORE! Call (513) 421-PUCK for information regarding Cyclones Season and Group Tickets, and you can also get the latest team updates on Facebook, Twitter (@CincyCyclones), and Instagram, along with our website, www.cycloneshockey.com