For Immediate Release: September 13, 2017
CYCLONES ADD LEONE TO DEFENSIVE CORPS
Rearguard Heads to Cincinnati for Second Full Pro Season
Cincinnati, OH- The Cincinnati Cyclones, proud ECHL affiliate of the American Hockey League’s (AHL) Rochester Americans and the National Hockey League’s (NHL) Buffalo Sabres, have signed defenseman Chris Leone to a Standard Player Contract (SPC) for the 2017-18 season.
“Chris is a hungry young player who found some success last year in his first year of pro,” said Cyclones Head Coach Matt Macdonald. “He will be another good skating defenseman who can move pucks and has shown to be able to play a solid two-way game.”
Hailing from Dearborn Heights, MI, Leone split the 2016-17 season between the Toledo Walleye and Manchester Monarchs of the ECHL, and the Mississippi Riverkings and Pensacola Ice Flyers of the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL). In 38 ECHL games, Leone accounted for six goals and 10 assists, while his SPHL totals amounted to four goals and seven assists. He saw some success against the Cyclones last season, netting a goal and a pair of assists on the way to a 9-1 Toledo win on February 12.
“I’m grateful to play in a great city like Cincinnati,” remarked Leone. “I look forward to getting into town and officially meet the staff, and helping continue to build a winning culture in this organization.”
Leone began his pro career with the ECHL’s Greenville Swamp Rabbits at the end of the 2015-16 season, appearing in four games and accounting for four points (1g, 3a). Prior to turning pro, the 5’11”, 190-pound rearguard enjoyed a successful collegiate career at Adrian College where he amassed 71 points (24g, 47a) in 109 career games.
The march towards 2017 First Face-Off is ON! The Cincinnati Cyclones return to U.S. Bank Arena on Saturday, October 14, when they take on the Kalamazoo Wings. In the meantime, we invite you to stay tuned in the coming weeks for information on tickets and promotions for the 2017-18 season, great offseason events like Concrete Clones, player signings, and MORE! Call (513) 421-PUCK for information regarding Cyclones Season and Group Tickets, and you can also get the latest team updates on Facebook, Twitter (@CincyCyclones), and Instagram, along with our website, www.cycloneshockey.com!
