For Immediate Release: August 5, 2015
CYCLONES ADD VETERAN DEFENSEMAN
Ratchuk Brings Nine Years of Pro Hockey Experience to Cincinnati
CINCINNATI, OH- The Cincinnati Cyclones have signed defenseman Mike Ratchuk for the 2015-2016 season. The ninth-year pro spent the last two seasons with the Wheeling Nailers.
“Mike is a top defenseman in the ECHL, and he has shown every year that he can make an impact in every game,” said Cyclones Head Coach Matt MacDonald. “He also brings a lot of experience on the backend which will help our younger guys develop.”
A second-round draft pick by the Philadelphia Flyers in 2006, Ratchuk skated in 97 games with the Wheeling Nailers over the past two seasons, accounting for 17 goals and 38 assists for 55 points. His 44 points (15g, 29a) during the 2013-2014 season set career highs in goals, assists, and points.
Ratchuk has seen time a various levels since turning pro in 2008, skating in the ECHL for Wheeling and the Elmira Jackals, and helping the Florida Everblades to a Kelly Cup Championship in 2011-2012. He has also seen time with the Philadelphia/Adirondack Phantoms, Syracuse Crunch, and Springfield Falcons of the American Hockey League (AHL), and the Fort Wayne Komets of the Central Hockey League (CHL). He also spent a season with Ljubljana Olimpija HK in Austria. In 386 career professional games, the South Buffalo, NY, native has tallied 46 goals and added 118 assists for 164 points.
Prior to turning pro, Ratchuk skated two seasons at Michigan State University, totaling 37 points (10g, 27a) in 82 games. He was a also a member of the 2006-2007 team that won the NCAA National Championship.
“This was a priority signing for us this summer, and we are excited to have him apart of the organization,” said MacDonald.
The countdown to the 2015-16 First Face-Off is underway! The Cyclones will return to U.S. Bank Arena on Saturday, October 17 when they host the Toledo Walleye at 7:30pm. Between now and then, be on the lookout for several offseason events like Meijer Concrete Clones! 2015-16 Season Ticket Packages are available NOW! Call 513.421.PUCK to reserve your seats. Fans can also get the latest team updates throughout the offseason on Facebook, Twitter (@CincyCyclones), and Instagram!
Want to prove that you have the fastest Wiener Dog on Ice? Only a few spots remain for the 2015 Running of the Wiener Dogs this Saturday. To register your pup, give us a call at 513-421-PUCK.
