CINCINNATI, Ohio – The Cincinnati Cyclones, proud affiliate of the NHL’s Florida Panthers and Nashville Predators, announced today several roster moves. The San Antonio Rampage (AHL) have reassigned goaltender Sam Brittain and forward Wade Megan to the Cyclones. In addition, Joe Basaraba, Andrew Blazek, Greger Hanson, and Stephan Vigier have all been released from their AHL tryouts and will report to Cincinnati. In a related move, the Cyclones have released tryout goaltender Braely Torris.
Brittain, a 2010 Florida Panthers Fourth Round pick, looks to impress at the pro level after a stellar collegiate career. Over four seasons at the University of Denver, the 22-year-old net minder amassed a 51-34-11 record and a 2.45 goals-against average, including a career best GAA (2.22) and 19 wins during his senior campaign. He helped lead Denver to the inaugural NCHC Championship and was named the conference’s Goalie of the Year.
Megan, a 24-year-old Canton, New York native, turned several heads during his rookie campaign of 2013-14. He spent the bulk of the season with the San Antonio Rampage (AHL), earning 17 points (11g, 6a) in 43 games. During his time with Cincinnati, the Florida Panthers 2009 Fifth Round pick played a total of 16 regular season games with, amassing 20 points (13g, 7a) and a +7 rating. Come postseason time, he was a difference maker; in 22 Kelly Cup contests, he notched 13 points (10g, 3a) including the series winning goal in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against Orlando. Prior to going pro, Megan was a four-year letter winner at Boston University, earning 83 points (49g, 34a) in 151 career collegiate games. During his senior season, he was named a Hockey East Top Performer eight times and was the Captain of the Terriers.
Basaraba (BOSS-uh-RAH-bah), a 2010 Third Round pick of the Florida Panthers, is looking to pick up where he left off late last season. After completing his collegiate career, the 22-year-old made his pro debut with the Cyclones on March 26 and proceeded to post five points (1g, 4a) in 10 regular season games. He was a four-year letter winner at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, where he collected 56 points (28g, 28a) in 148 games - including a career high 18 tallies (8g, 10a) during his senior season.
Blazek, a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native, will embark on his first full season of pro hockey this fall. After completing his collegiate career at Robert Morris University, the 25-year-old appeared in six regular season games with the Cyclones last year, notching four assists in that span. During the postseason, the six-foot-two, 181-pound rear guard skated in 20 Kelly Cup Playoff games for Cincinnati, posting one assist.
Hanson, a 26-year-old, joins the Cyclones after two strong seasons in the Central Hockey League. A year ago, he ranked sixth on the Allen Americans with 52 points (21g-31a) in 49 games, along with a CHL fifth-best 17 points (7g-10a) in 17 postseason games - helping Allen capture the Ray Miron Presidents' Cup. The Lidingo, Sweden native also appeared in four regular-season games with Greenville, registering a single assist. In Hanson's rookie North American campaign (2012-13), he was a point-per-game player - contributing 44 points (21g-23a) in as-many contests. Prior to going pro, he was a four-year letter winner at Northern Michigan University, where he accrued 112 points (40g-72a) and a +22 rating.
Vigier (VEE-zhay), a 24-year-old, will participate in his first full pro season with the Cyclones after making an impressive debut last spring with the South Carolina Stingrays. In eight games, the five-foot-nine-inch, 168-pound forward posted six points (5g-1a). Prior to turning pro, Vigier was a four-year letter winner at Northern Michigan University, where he amassed 92 points (39g-53a) in 151 collegiate games. He was a two-time alternate captain of the Wildcats and set career highs in points (33), goals (16) and assists (17) during 2013-14.
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).
Cyclones Add to Training Camp Roster
