For Immediate Release: September 21, 2016
CYCLONES ADD TWO MORE BIG PIECES TO 2016-17 MIX
More Size, Character, and Experience on the Way to Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OH- Cincinnati Cyclones Head Coach Matt Macdonald has announced that forward Shawn O’Donnell and defenseman Troy Vance have signed Standard Player Contracts (SPC) for the 2016-2017 season. O’Donnell is coming off of a successful season with the American Hockey League’s (AHL) Hartford Wolf Pack, while Vance returns to the United States after a solid campaign in Europe.
“We are excited to welcome Shawn to the Queen City. He has played the last few seasons mostly in the AHL, and has contributed in many different ways,” remarked Macdonald. “Shawn brings great character to our locker room and is a player who works extremely hard on and off the ice. He will be a player that will make an impact as a power forward and will compete every night for this organization."
O’Donnell has spent the bulk of his career in the AHL, appearing in 128 games with the Wolf Pack and totaling seven goals and 11 assists. He has also seen some time in the ECHL with the Florida Everblades and Greenville Road Warriors, accounting for 12 points (4g, 8a) in 17 career games.
Prior to turning pro late in the 2012-13 season, the 6’2”, 209lb forward spent four years at St. Mary’s University in Canada. He was responsible for 62 points (24g, 38a) in 103 career games, including a career-high 26 points (14g, 12a) during his senior season in 2012-13. He served as the team’s Assistant Captain during his senior season as well.
Vance heads to Cincinnati following a 19-point campaign (3g, 16a in 59 games) with Assat Pori of the Finnish Elite League. He ranked second on the team in defenseman scoring, and fourth overall in assists.
“Troy is a big defenseman who has developed a lot over the past two years and had a very successful season last year in Europe,” said Macdonald. “He is a player who can play in both ends of the rink, and we see him being a solid piece to our defense group.”
Prior to his time in Europe, the 2011 fifth-round draft pick of the Dallas Stars spent parts of two seasons in the ECHL with the Elmira Jackals, Idaho Steelheads, and Missouri Mavericks where he accounted for 13 points (4g, 9a) in 65 games.
Vance played his junior hockey in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), splitting his time between the Victoriaville Tigres, Prince Edward Island Rocket, and Charlottetown Islanders. The 6’5”, 205-pounder racked up 84 points (17g, 67a) in 206 QMJHL games, along with 171 minutes in penalties.
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!
