For Immediate Release: October 10, 2017
CYCLONES WELCOME BACK O’DONNELL
Rochester Also Assigns Two More to Cincinnati
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 announced that forward Shawn O’Donnell has been re-signed to a Standard Player Contract (SPC) for the 2017-18 season.
O’Donnell ranked fourth on the Cyclones in scoring last season with 42 points (14g, 28a) in 47 games played last season. His best stretch came between February 28 – March 11 where he totaled 12 points (4g, 8a) over an eight game stretch. O’Donnell had multi-point outings on 10 occasions, including three separate three-point nights. He also spent six games with the AHL’s Milwaukee Admirals however did not record a point.
A native of Halifax, NS, O’Donnell has spent the bulk of his career in the AHL, appearing in 128 games with the Hartford 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.
In a pair of separate transactions, the Americans have reassigned forwards Daniel Muzito-Bagenda and Vaclav Karabacek to the Cyclones.
A native of Umea, SWE, Muzito-Bagenda appeared in 61 games last season for Rochester, accounting for nine goals and six assists in 61 games, along with 45 minutes in penalties. The 6-1, 198-pound winger spent 2015-16 with the Mississauga Steelheads of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), where he skated in 63 games and totaled 37 points (20g, 17a) along with 36 penalty minutes.
Prior to coming to North America, Muzito-Bagenda skated with the MODO Hockey program for three seasons, appearing with their J18 and J20 clubs. He has also appeared internationally for Sweden in the U17 and U18 World Junior Championships.
Drafted in the second round in 2014 by the Sabres, Karabacek split last season between the Americans and the now-defunct Elmira Jackals of the ECHL. In 32 games between the two clubs, Karabacek accounted for eight goals and 11 assists.
Prior to turning pro, the Praha, CZE, native enjoyed a successful three-year career in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), where he accounted for 117 points (56g, 61a) in 171 games. Like Muzito-Bagenda, Karabacek has also seen time internationally, skating with the Czech Republic from 2012-2014.
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!
