Jarrod Skalde and Matt Macdonald to Return in 2013-14

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 multiple-year contract extension. In addition, Matt Macdonald will return in 2013-14 as the team’s Assistant Coach. Per team policy, the terms of both contracts are not disclosed.

Skalde (SKALD-ee), 42, will enter his fourth year behind the bench in Cincinnati after leading the club to their first North Division title since 2009 this past season. The Cyclones’ 42-22-8 record resulted in 92 points, a 13-point improvement from 2011-12 as well as the third-most wins and second-most points they have earned 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. Cincinnati advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2010 and won nine Kelly Cup Playoff games during their run this spring. On April 2, Skalde was named the 2012-13 ECHL Coach of the Year. He and his wife, Erin have a 15-year-old daughter, True and 9-year-old son, Skate.

Macdonald, a 30-year old Niagara Falls, Ontario native, completed his first season of coaching after a seven-year playing career. He helped guide the Cyclones to the seventh best team defense in the ECHL, allowing a stingy average of just 2.71 goals-per-game. He spent parts of three seasons playing with the Cyclones, logging 119 regular season games and 44 points (5 goals, 39 assists). MacDonald also contributed with 14 tallies (5 goals, 9 assists) in 44 Kelly Cup Playoff games and was a member of Cincinnati’s first-ever Kelly Cup title in 2008. Macdonald and his wife, Erin, reside in Blue Ash.

“Both Jarrod and Matt have demonstrated tremendous leadership for our organization,” said Cyclones President Ray Harris. “Their passion, dedication, and knowledge helped guide our group to a very successful season and we look forward to having them carry on a winning tradition in Cincinnati.”

“Jarrod and Matt are such positive forces in our organization and in the manner they approach their work,” said Cyclones General Manager Kristin Ropp. “Their attitude and style allows for the front office to feel connected to the on-ice operations which lends to an amazing work environment. I enjoy working with both of them and am thrilled I get the opportunity again this fall.”

The Cyclones will return to U.S. Bank Arena in mid-October to kick off the 2013-14 season! The year begins with the Power Play 5K Run/Walk on October 19. For details, visit CyclonesHockey.com/5k. Season ticket packages are also on sale now! Call 513.421.PUCK or visit CyclonesHockey.com to secure your seats. Fans can also get the latest team updates throughout the offseason on Facebook and Twitter (@CincyCyclones).