CINCINNATI, Ohio – The Cincinnati Cyclones, proud affiliate of the NHL’s Florida Panthers and Nashville Predators announced today that Head Coach Jarrod Skalde has been named the recipient of the John Brophy Trophy – awarded annually to the ECHL coach selected to have contributed the most to his team’s success as selected in a vote of league coaches.
“It’s a tremendous honor to be recognized by your peers,” said Skalde. “I’m very proud to accept this award on behalf of our entire hockey club, who have all contributed to our success this season. There are many outstanding coaches around our league that are also well deserving of this award, and I’m very honored to be acknowledged.”
Skalde led the Cyclones to their first North Division title since 2009 with a 42-22-8 record for 92 points, a 13-point improvement over the 2011-12 season. It is the third-most wins and second-most points for the Cyclones since the club returned to the ECHL for the 2006-07 season. The 2012-13 campaign was also the earliest a Cyclones team had clinched a Division Title.
“This is certainly an award befitting its recipient,” said Cyclones General Manager Kristin Ropp. “Jarrod lives hockey and his passion is extremely evident. I’m thrilled for him.”
Skalde is in his third season as Head Coach / Director of Hockey Operations for Cincinnati (and is the second to win Coach of the Year accolades) after spending two years behind the bench of the Bloomington Prairie Thunder (IHL).
Selected by the New Jersey Devils in the second round of the 1989 NHL Entry Draft, Skalde played in 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. A five-time team captain and seven-time assistant captain, Skalde was a member of championship teams in Oshawa (OHL, 1990) and Orlando (IHL, 2001). During his professional career, he scored 308 goals with 513 assists for 821 points. He was named the Utah Grizzles “Community Man of the Year” while playing there in 2004.
Skalde and his wife, Erin, have two children, 15-year-old daughter True and 9-year-old son Skate.
The Cyclones will embark on the quest for the 2013 Kelly Cup title as they open the best-of-seven Eastern Conference Quarterfinals this Friday night at Huntington Center against the Toledo Walleye. Fans can hear the game LIVE on the Cyclones Radio Network (FM 100 The FAN, America One, CyclonesHockey.com) starting at 7:10pm with the opening face-off to follow at 7:35pm.
The Cyclones will return to U.S. Bank Arena for Game 3 of the series on Wednesday, April 10 at 7:30pm! The game will feature $1 PBR and Miller High Life! Call 513.421.PUCK or visit CyclonesHockey.com to reserve your seats! Fans can also get the latest team updates throughout the postseason on Facebook and Twitter (@CincyCyclones).
Jarrod Skalde Named 2012-13 ECHL Coach of the Year
