For Immediate Release: January 30, 2018
TRIO REASSIGNED BY ROCHESTER
Atwal, Danforth, Knodel Return Ahead of Three-Game Trip
Cincinnati, OH- The Cincinnati Cyclones, proud ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League’s (NHL) Buffalo Sabres and American Hockey League’s (AHL) Rochester Americans, have announced that defensemen Arvin Atwal and Eric Knodel, along with forward Justin Danforth have been reassigned by the Americans.
Atwal appeared in two games during his second stint with the Americans, and has recorded an assist in four games with them overall this season. He is currently tenth on the Cyclones in scoring with a pair of goals and nine assists through 27 games.
The Delta, BC, native appeared in 39 games last season and accounted for a pair of goals and 15 assists. Despite being sidelined for the final 33 games of the season, Atwal posted a team- high plus-11 on-ice rating, and ranked third on the team with 98 minutes in penalties.
Knodel is also coming off his second stint in Rochester, appearing in four games from January 17-27, and six games overall, however has yet to record a point. He has appeared in 27 games this season for Cincinnati and is tied for eighth amongst League defenseman with nine goals and 17 assists.
The West Chester, PA, native skated in 58 games with the Cyclones in 2016-17. He led the team in defenseman scoring with eight goals and 20 assists, and was tied for third with a plus-seven 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, NY. He also took part in the All-Star Hardest Shot competition, where he finished in second place with a shot of 96mph.
Knodel split the 2015-16 season between the Utah Grizzlies and the AHL’s San Diego Gulls. In 56 games with the Grizzlies, Knodel put up 22 points (7g, 15a), along with 16 penalty minutes and a plus-7 on-ice rating. He skated in four games with the Gulls, but failed to record a point.
Danforth appeared in one game with the Americans, however could not find the scoresheet. He is in the midst of a stellar rookie campaign, leading all ECHL first years with 22 goals and 22 assists through the first 38 games of the season. His 44 points have him tied for second overall in League scoring, while his 22 goals place him in a tie for third, Additionally, he enjoyed an 11-game point streak from November 18-December 15, accounting for seven goals and 10 assists in that span.
He was also the Cyclones’ representative in last Monday’s CCM/ECHL All-Star Classic, recording a goal and emerging victorious in the Fastest Skater Competition, setting a new ECHL record with a lap of 12.75 seconds.
A native of Oshawa, ON, turned pro late in 2016-17, skating in nine games between the ECHL’s Reading Royals and the Americans and AHL’s Bridgeport Sound Tigers, totaling three goals and two assists in that time. Prior to turning pro, Danforth had an outstanding career at Sacred Heart University where he amassed 124 points (42g, 82a) in 147 games. He also served as assistant captain during his senior season.
The 2017-18 season is underway, and the Cincinnati Cyclones want YOU along for the ride! Call (513) 421-PUCK for information regarding Cyclones single game tickets, ticket packages, and Season and Group Tickets! Also, stay on top of the latest team updates on Facebook, Twitter (@CincyCyclones), and Instagram, along with our website, www.cycloneshockey.com!
