Cyclones Bolster Blue Line with Maury Edwards and Chris Reed

Cyclones Bolster Blue Line with Maury Edwards and Chris Reed

CINCINNATI, Ohio – The Cincinnati Cyclones, proud affiliate of the NHL’s Florida Panthers and Nashville Predators, announced today that they have agreed to terms with defensemen Maury Edwards and Chris Reed for the 2011-12 season.

Edwards, a 24-year-old Rocky Rapids, Alberta native, will embark on his first full season as a professional in 2011-12. A year ago, he wrapped up a four-year career at UMass-Lowell where he collected 79 points (28 goals, 51 assists) in 147 games. He had a banner-year in 2008-09 when he finished third among Hockey East rear guards in scoring (29 points) and was named a Hockey East First-Team All Star. After completing his collegiate career, the five-foot-eleven, 176 pound blue-liner made his pro debut in the American Hockey League with the Providence Bruins followed by six games as a member of the Lake Erie Monsters.

“Maury comes to us with some experience after finishing last year in Providence and Lake Erie,” said Cyclones Head Coach Jarrod Skalde. “He has a heavy shot from the point and comes highly recommended. He has a tremendous upside as he begins his first full season at the pro level.”

Reed, a six-foot-one, 195-pound rookie comes to the Cyclones to begin his pro career after earning four letters at The Ohio State University from 2007-2011. As a member of the Buckeyes, the Solon, Ohio native amassed 38 points (4 goals, 34 assists) in 150 games. During his junior season in 2009-10, he led Ohio State defensemen and raked second overall on the team with a +13 plus/minus rating. In addition to his on-ice success, Reed excelled in the classroom; he was twice named to the Academic All-Big Ten team and was honored with CCHA Scholar Athlete of the Year accolades in 2009-10.

“Reed is a steady defensemen who is committed to the game and taking his talents to the next level,” said Skalde. “He’s a stay-at-home, shutdown defenseman that is comfortable playing in all situations. He is a great addition to our blue line and we’re excited to have him with us in Cincinnati.”

The countdown to the 2011-12 season is officially underway! Secure your seats for this year’s Home Opener on Saturday, November 5 when the Cyclones welcome the Chicago Express to U.S. Bank Arena for the first time at 7:30pm. Contact a ticket representative today at 513.421.PUCK or log on to CyclonesHockey.com for more information. Fans can also get the latest team updates during the offseason on Facebook and Twitter.

Click here to view both players' career statistics.