CINCINNATI , Ohio – The Cincinnati Cyclones, proud affiliate of the NHL’s Florida Panthers and Nashville Predators, announced today that forwards Dan Eves, Mike Pelech, and defenseman Mike Liambas have all agreed to terms with the Cyclones for the 2012-13 season.
Eves, a 26-year old Lake Orion, Michigan native, will embark on his fifth season as a professional this fall. In 2011-12, he tied his career-high of 45 points and registered a career-best 10 multi-point efforts. After posting 14 tallies in 17 games and a seven game point-scoring streak during the month of February, he was nominated for ECHL Player of the Month accolades. On January 20, 2012, Eves tallied his 100th career pro point against the Chicago Express. In 2010-11, the six-foot-two forward made his Cincinnati debut on February 12 and went on to post points in 12 of his final 17 games that year. Before coming to the Queen City, Eves logged ice time with the Idaho Steelheads, Trenton Devils, and South Carolina Stingrays. He played his collegiate hockey at Lake Superior State University where he amassed 63 points in 145 games.
“Dan is such a solid player in all three zones,” said Cyclones Head Coach Jarrod Skalde. “The second half that he had last year showed us how he can offensively contribute. The professionalism he displayed all season long was outstanding.”
Pelech (PELL-eck), a 2009 sixth-round selection (156th overall) by the Los Angeles Kings, finished third on the team in scoring by notching a career-high 65 points (16 goals, 49 assists) in 2011-12. While seeing limited ice time and results with the Toledo Walleye, the Cyclones acquired the 22-year-old in a trade on November 23, 2011 and saw his production increase exponentially. He finished tied for third on the Cyclones with a pair of game-winning goals and second on the club with 15 multi-point contests. A fourth-year professional, Pelech has seen the bulk of his playing time with the Ontario Reign – where he skated in 135 games over two seasons and racked up 63 points during that span.
“Pelech was a big priority for us this offseason,” said Skalde. “A big factor for him is his plus/minus and the fact that he plays in all situations. He has a workmanlike attitude and is comfortable playing in all situations, whether it be penalty kill, power play, or otherwise. He’s an important part of our hockey club.
Liambas (Lee-AM-bus) will enter his second full season with the Cyclones after an injury-shortened 2011-12 campaign. A year ago, the 23-year-old led the Cyclones in penalty minutes (160) and ranks fifth of the All-Time Club Penalty Minute leader board (238). On December 9, 2011, Liambas recorded his first-career multi-point game (2 assists) against the Toledo Walleye en route to a career-high nine assists for the year. As a member of the Cyclones, he has earned a total of 10 points (1g, 9a) in 54 games.
“The character Liambas displays as a player and as a person is tremendous,” said Skalde. “Since he started playing defense, it has allowed him to round out his game. He still provides that element of toughness but is a contributing member of our defensive core as well.”
All three players were bestowed the title of Cyclones Assistant Captain at various points throughout the 2011-12 season.
The countdown to the 2012-13 season is officially underway! On Saturday, October 13, the Cyclones will host the second-annual Power Play 5K Run/Walk followed by the 2012 First Faceoff against the Wheeling Nailers at U.S. Bank Arena. Registration for the race is open NOW on CyclonesHockey.com. Don’t forget the Cyclones will host an exhibition game at U.S. Bank Arena on Friday, October 5 at 7:30pm with tickets available for just $5! Contact a Cyclones Ticket Representative today at 513.421.PUCK to reserve your seats. Fans can also get the latest team updates throughout the offseason on Facebook and Twitter (@CincyCyclones).
To view Eves' career playing statistics, click here.
To view Pelech's career playing statistics, click here.
To view Liambas' career playing statistics, click here.
Eves, Pelech, Liambas Return to Cyclones in 2012-13
