CINCINNATI, Ohio – The Cincinnati Cyclones, proud affiliate of the NHL’s Florida Panthers and Nashville Predators, announced today that Jarrod Skalde has accepted an Assistant Coach position with the Norfolk Admirals in the American Hockey League. He becomes the second Cyclones bench boss in club history to receive a promotion to the Triple-A level.
Skalde (SKALD-ee), a 42-year-old Niagara Falls, Ontario native, helped lead the Cyclones 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. On April 2, Skalde was named the 2012-13 ECHL Coach of the Year. Under his regime, Cincinnati saw 68 players earn AHL promotions resulting in nearly 900 games played at Triple-A.
“Jarrod has been an excellent asset to our organization,” said Cyclones President Ray Harris. “We’re very thankful for his three years of professionalism and tireless work ethic. I’m proud of the job he has done in Cincinnati and wish him the best of luck moving forward as he progresses to the next level of professional hockey.”
During his three-year tenure behind the bench in the Queen City, Skalde amassed a 110-79-27 regular season record (57.2 winning percentage) and a 10-11 mark in the postseason. The former second-round draft pick earned his 100th Cyclones victory this past year when Cincinnati defeated the Fort Wayne Komets 3-1 on February 22, 2013. He and his wife, Erin have a 15-year-old daughter, True and 10-year-old son, Skate. It will be the second time that Skalde has been in the Anaheim organization; he logged 20 games as a player with the Mighty Ducks during the 1993-94 season, where he collected nine points (5 goals, 4 assists) and 10 penalty minutes.
“I’d like to thank Ray Harris for this opportunity that he gave me three years ago,” said Skalde. “He has given me all the tools to succeed here and has taught me a lot along the way. I’d also like to thank the entire front office staff, hockey department, and my Assistant Coach Matt Macdonald for all their support. I leave here knowing that this is the premiere place to be in the ECHL, and it starts from the top.“
Cincinnati has not yet named a replacement for Skalde, however, the interview process is currently underway. In addition, Cyclones Assistant Coach Matt Macdonald will remain on the coaching staff for 2013-14.
The countdown to the 2013 First Face-Off is officially on! The Cyclones open the season at U.S. Bank Arena against the Wheeling Nailers on Saturday, October 19 at 7:30pm. The game will be preceded by the Power Play 5K Run/Walk to benefit Pink Ribbon Girls! For details or to register, 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).
Jarrod Skalde Accepts Assistant Coach Position with Norfolk Admirals
