CINCINNATI, Ohio - The Cincinnati Cyclones, proud affiliate of the NHL’s Florida Panthers and Nashville Predators, announced today that they’ve agreed to terms with defenseman Chris Reed and goaltender Joe Howe for the 2014-15 season.
Reed, a Solon, Ohio native, returns to Cincinnati for the fourth consecutive season. A year ago, the six-foot-one-inch defenseman collected 12 assists and an ECHL sixth-best +24 rating in 58 regular season games. The 27-year-old also added eight “helpers” in 24 Kelly Cup Playoff contests. Over the course of his tenure in the Queen City, Reed has been among the most-stable rear guards in the league; he’s amassed a stellar +52 plus/minus rating along with 36 points (2g, 34a) in 150 games. The former Ohio State Buckeye has also seen some brief time in the AHL, skating in a total of eight games with the Springfield Falcons, Houston Aeros, and Lake Erie Monsters.
“Chris has continued to be one of our steadiest defensemen over the years,” said Cyclones Head Coach Matt Macdonald. “His dependability and work ethic make him a go-to guy for us on the blue line. We’re very happy to have him back again this season.”
Howe, a 24-year-old, looks to improve upon an impressive start to his pro career. With the Cyclones in 2013-14, the Plymouth, Minnesota native finished with a 10-3-4 record and a 2.78 goals-against average (GAA). His first pro shutout came on December 29 vs. Elmira, which was also his first ECHL victory. Prior to coming to the Queen City, Howe appeared in seven games with the Missouri Mavericks (CHL), earning a 3-2-1 mark and a 2.52 GAA. He was a four-year letter winner and three-time WCHA All-Academic Team member at Colorado College, compiling a 54-50-10 record along with a career 2.97 GAA.
“Joe came in and did an excellent job for us last season,” said Macdonald. “We found ourselves in need of a goaltender midway through the year and Joe stepped right in. He was a big reason why we had success down the stretch and I’m excited to see him return.”
The countdown to the 2014-15 First Face-Off is underway! The Cyclones will return for another season of hockey at U.S. Bank Arena on Saturday, October 25 when they play host to the Kalamazoo Wings at 7:30pm. Fans can also get the latest team updates throughout the offseason on Facebook and Twitter (@CincyCyclones).
Chris Reed, Joe Howe Added to 2014-15 Roster
