CINCINNATI, Ohio – The 2010 Kelly Cup Champion Cincinnati Cyclones, proud affiliate of the NHL’s Florida Panthers and Nashville Predators, announced today that they have acquired forward Casey Pierro-Zabotel from the Wheeling Nailers in exchange for forwards Christiaan Minella and Sam D’Agostino.
Pierro-Zabotel (Pee-AIR-oh, zab-oh-TELL), a third-round draft choice of the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2008, joins the Cyclones after playing his first two seasons as a pro with the Wheeling Nailers. This year, the 22-year-old forward has earned 34 points (14 goals, 20 assists) in 42 games and ranks third on the team with a +17 plus/minus rating. In 2009-10, Pierro-Zabotel finished fifth on the Nailers with 41 points (12 goals, 29 assists) in 49 games. Before joining the professional ranks, he played two seasons with the Vancouver Giants (WHL) and four seasons as a member of the Merritt Centennials (BCHL). As an amateur, he amassed 346 points in 294 career games.
“Casey is a guy with tremendous offensive upside and will give us another legitimate scoring threat,” said Cyclones Head Coach Jarrod Skalde. “He is a guy who can play in all situations and will fit extremely well with what we are looking to do offensively as well.”
Minella and D’Agostino, both rookies, earned plenty of playing time with the Cyclones during their time in the Queen City. Minella, a former Notre Dame Fighting Irish player, had 18 points (10 goals, 8 assists) in 41 games while D’Agostino posted 12 points (10 goals, 2 assists) in 39 games.
“Christiaan and Sam are both high quality players and even higher quality people,” said Skalde. “I know they will keep growing and improving as their careers continue. I wish them nothing but the best.”
The defending Kelly Cup Champions will return to U.S. Bank Arena tomorrow night at 7:30pm when they continue their three game series with the Everblades. It will be Pink in the Rink Night presented by Pure Romance. The Cyclones will skate on pink ice and wear specialty jerseys which will be auctioned off after the game to benefit the Patty Brisben Foundation. Discounted ticket packages and single game tickets for the 2010-2011 season are available now. For more information, call 513.421.PUCK (7825) or visit CyclonesHockey.com.
Click here for all three players career statistics.
