Head Coach Jarrod Skalde to Return to Cyclones in 2012-13

CINCINNATI , Ohio – The Cincinnati Cyclones, proud affiliate of the NHL’s Florida Panthers and Nashville Predators, announced today that Head Coach Jarrod Skalde has received a one-year contract extension through the 2012-13 season.

This fall, Skalde will embark on his 21st season of professional hockey and his third behind the bench of the Cyclones. Since receiving the position in 2010-11, he has accumulated a record of 68-57-8-11 and saw significant improvement in many statistical categories this past year. In 2011-12, he led Cincinnati to the second-best home record in the ECHL (26-7-0-3) and improved his overall winning percentage by more than two percent from his first season. Under Skalde’s leadership, Cincinnati was the fourth-least penalized team in the ECHL, being whistled for an average of 14.1 minutes per game. When they were shorthanded, however, the Cyclones were one of the league’s elite; their 84.0% penalty kill rate was second best in the Eastern Conference and sixth among all 20 teams.

“We’re very much looking forward to having Jarrod back for another season,” said Cyclones President Ray Harris. “His leadership, coaching style, and professionalism has been a tremendous asset to our organization. While we didn’t reach our ultimate goal last year, I am confident that he is the right choice to lead the Cyclones back to a Kelly Cup Championship.”

Skalde earned his 100th professional coaching win on December 9, 2011 when the Cyclones defeated Toledo by a 4-3 final score. A season ago, Skalde helped continue the Cincinnati tradition of grooming future stars, as a total of 25 players were called up to the American Hockey League, amounting to more than 300 games played at the Triple-A level.

“When you’re looking for an affiliate, you want someone who has the experience and the right mindset for developing players and that’s what Jarrod has done,” said Nashville Predators Assistant General Manager Paul Fenton. “He’s been able to recommend players to us that have come up and have helped and vice versa. It’s been a great working relationship.”

“We are very excited that Jarrod is back for another year,” said Florida Panthers Assistant General Manager Mike Santos. “We really look forward to his continued development of our players.”

Selected by the New Jersey Devils in the second round of the 1989 NHL Entry Draft, Skalde went on to log 115 games with eight different teams in the National Hockey League. In addition to the Devils, he played for the Chicago Blackhawks, Atlanta Thrashers, Anaheim Mighty Ducks, San Jose Sharks, Dallas Stars, Calgary Flames and Philadelphia Flyers. He also played professionally in the IHL, AHL, Switzerland, Sweden and Japan during a career that spanned 1,071 games. In 1992-93, Skalde appeared in four games with the Cyclones – putting up three points (1 goal, 2 assists).

Skalde has learned the coaching craft from some of the best to ever stand behind the bench. He played for the legendary Herb Brooks, Stanley Cup Champion coach Ken Hitchcock, Jack Adams award-winner (NHL Coach of the Year) Bill Barber, and former Cincinnati Stingers great Robbie Ftorek.

“I feel fortunate to continue to be a part of such a great organization and fan base,” said Skalde. “We have a great nucleus to build around from last season and trust that this year will be a very successful one.”

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 Opening Night against the Wheeling Nailers at U.S. Bank Arena. Registration for the race is open NOW on CyclonesHockey.com. Secure your seats for the 2012-13 Home Opener by contacting a Cyclones Ticket Representative today at 513.421.PUCK. Fans can also get the latest team updates throughout the offseason on Facebook and Twitter (@CincyCyclones).