For Immediate Release: August 31, 2016
CYCLONES LAND TWO-TIME DEFENDING KELLY CUP CHAMPION
Goaltending Solidified with Cincinnati’s latest Acquisition
Cincinnati, OH- Cincinnati Cyclones Head Coach Matt Macdonald has announced that goaltender Joel Rumpel has signed a Standard Player Contract (SPC) for the 2016-2017 season.
“Joel is a big, skilled goalie who is coming off of two successful runs in the ECHL that has resulted in him winning back-to-back Kelly Cup championships,” said Macdonald. “We know Joel brings a lot on the ice as well as a high character which will reflect in our locker room and in our community."
Entering his second full professional season, Rumpel is coming off of his second Kelly Cup championship with the Allen Americans last season. He appeared in 39 games in 2015-16 and compiled a record of 21-11-4 along with a 2.81 goals-against and a .907 save percentage, with his 21 wins ranking him eighth amongst League goaltenders. He also skated in three playoff games last season, earing a 1-1-0 record along with a 3.22 GAA and a .853 SV%.
Rumpel suited up in a pair of games with the San Jose Barracuda of the American Hockey League (AHL) as well, posting a 1-0-1 record to go along with a 2.51 GAA and a .881 SV%.
He joined the Americans late in the 2014-15 season upon completion of his collegiate career, appearing in four games in the regular season and seven in the playoffs. He had a 3-0-0-1 record in the regular season and a 3-2-0-0 mark in the postseason on his way to his first Kelly Cup championship.
Prior to turning pro, Rumpel enjoyed a stellar four-year collegiate career with the University of Wisconsin Badgers. He compiled a 53-50-11 record with a 2.51 GAA and a .918 SV% during that time, and helped guide the team to a pair of NCAA tournament appearances in 2013 and 2014, a WCHA Final Five Tournament championship in 2013, and a Big Ten Tournament championship in 2014.
Following his junior season in 2013-14, the Swift Current, SK, native was named as a finalist for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award, presented to the nation's top collegiate player, and the Mike Richter Award, presented to the nation's most outstanding collegiate goaltender. He was also named to the All-Big Ten Second-Team.
In 2012-13, Rumpel led the WCHA with .929 save percentage and was named to the WCHA Final Five All-Tournament and the NCAA All-Academic Teams, and in 2011-12 he was a three-time WCHA Rookie of the Week. He also set a Wisconsin freshman record with three shutouts.
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!
