For Immediate Release: December 23, 2016
MEGAN DAZZLES IN NHL DEBUT
Former Cyclone Notches Goal in First NHL Skate
Cincinnati, OH-Former Cincinnati Cyclones forward Wade Megan made his National Hockey League (NHL) debut on Thursday night with the St. Louis Blues in a 5-2 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning. The 26-year-old wasted little time making an impact with his new team, tallying his first NHL goal in the opening period of the game, and finishing with a plus-2 on-ice rating and a 56% face-off percentage in 9:40 of ice-time.
“We are all really excited to see Wade get called up and score in his first NHL game,” remarked Cyclones Head Coach Matt Macdonald. “He is a very solid player and person who works extremely hard every day. He has grown every year and is being rewarded for his hard work and desire. This is a great accomplishment for Wade, and only the start of a very promising career.”
Megan spent parts of the 2013-14 and 2014-15 seasons with the Cyclones, accounting for 27 points (17g, 10a) in 21 regular season games played. In 2013-14, he was named ECHL Player of the Week for the week of October 28-November 3 after netting six goals and dishing out three assists over a three-game span.
A native of Canton, NY, Megan made his presence felt in the postseason for the Cyclones as well, leading Cincinnati to Game 6 of the 2014 Kelly Cup Finals where they ultimately fell to the Alaska Aces, 4 games to 2. In 22 playoff games that postseason, Megan ranked second in the League with 10 playoff goals, and added three assists for 13 total points.
Drafted by the Florida Panthers in the fifth round of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, Megan has spent the bulk of his pro career in the American Hockey League (AHL) suiting up for the Chicago Wolves, Portland Pirates, and San Antonio Rampage. In 218 career AHL games, Megan has accounted for 47 goals and 31 assists for 78 total points, including 13 goals and 11 helpers in 28 games with the Wolves this season.
Prior to turning pro in 2013, Megan enjoyed a successful collegiate career at Boston University, totaling 83 points (49g, 34a) in 151 games with the Terriers. He joins Mike Liambas and Frederick Gaudreau (Nashville Predators)as former Cyclones to make their NHL debuts this season, and is the 21st former Cyclone and the 611th former ECHLer to skate in an NHL game.
The 2016-17 season is underway, and the Cincinnati Cyclones want you along for the ride as they march towards another Kelly Cup Championship! 2016-17 single game tickets and packages along with group and Season Ticket Packages are available NOW! Call (513) 421-PUCK to reserve your seats. Fans can also get the latest team updates on Facebook, Twitter (@CincyCyclones), and Instagram, along with our website, www.cycloneshockey.com!
