For Immediate Release: September 27, 2017
CYCLONES EXTEND TRYOUT OFFERS TO SIX
Training Camp Set to Begin Sunday With Team Orientation
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 extended Tryout Offers to six players ahead of Cincinnati’s 2017 Training Camp. The list includes forwards Shane Heffernan and Stephen Pietrobon, and defensemen Matt Geurts, Cory Melkert, Spencer Metcalfe, and Nick Neville.
A native of Kitchener, ON, Heffernan has spent the bulk of his pro career overseas, having appeared in games in Belarus, Denmark, Germany, Latvia, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, and Sweden. He has also seen time in the Federal Hockey League (FHL) with the Danville Dashers. He most recently was with HDD Jesenice and Jutland Vikings earlier this month and in August, totaling 40 points (16g, 24a) in 20 games.
Pietrobon is a native of Toronto, ON, and appeared in a pair of games for the now-defunct Elmira Jackals last season, however did not tally a point. Prior to making his pro debut, he enjoyed a successful four-year collegiate career with Niagara University where he totaled 47 points (20g, 27a) in 137 career games. He was also named team captain during his senior season of 2016-17.
On the defensive side, Guerts appeared in 20 games with the now-defunct Alaska Aces last season, dishing out three assists in that time. He turned pro in 2015-16, skating in 16 games with Malungs IF in Europe. While there, he was responsible for 12 points (3g, 9a) along with 12 minutes in penalties. He played his college hockey at St. Olaf College where he accounted for 26 points (9g, 17a) in 65 career games.
Hailing from Kenmore, ON, Melkert has spent parts of the past two seasons in the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) with the Evansville Thunderbolts and the Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs. In 51 career SPHL games, Melkert tallied three goals and 10 assists along with 80 minutes in penalties. He has also seen time with German side EHC Timmendorfer Strand 06, skating in 15 games and totaling a pair of goals and eight assists. He played his collegiate hockey at SUNY-Fredonia, putting up 10 points (2g, 10) in 90 career games and serving as team captain during his senior season of 2014-15.
Metcalfe comes to Cincinnati out of Oakville, ON, and spent last season with the Mississippi RiverKings and Knoxville Ice Bears of the SPHL. In 28 SPHL games, the 6’1”, 201-pounder had a goal and three assists along with 80 minutes in penalties. He played collegiately for the University of Prince Edward Island from 2012-16, appearing in 81 games and accounting for a goal and four assists to go along with 159 minutes in penalties. He also skated in 174 junior games in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), totaling four goals and 13 assists, while up 362 minutes in penalties.
Neville split last season between the South Carolina Stingrays, and Peoria Rivermen of the SPHL. In 18 games with South Carolina, the Bloomfield Hills, MI, native dished out a pair of assists, and he tallied a goal and three assists in seven games with the Rivermen. Prior to turning pro, Neville played three years at the University of Denver where accounted for a pair of goals and four assists in 54 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!
