For Immediate Release: December 4, 2016
LIAMBAS MAKES NHL DEBUT
Forward Becomes Second Former Cyclone to Make Debut in 2016-17
Cincinnati, OH- Former Cincinnati Cyclones forward Mike Liambas made his National Hockey League (NHL) debut on Saturday afternoon with the Nashville Predators. He logged 4:42 of ice time and dished out a hit in Nashville’s 5-4 overtime loss to the New Jersey Devils.
“We are extremely excited to see Mike make it to the NHL,” remarked Cyclones head coach Matt Macdonald. “He was a person who worked hard both on and off the ice to reach this point in his career, and is a player that was very well respected not only on the ice by his teammates, but also in the community where he was very involved. We wish Mike the very best and look forward to seeing him play many more games in the NHL.”
A native of Woodbridge, ON, Liambas appeared in 55 games with the Cyclones from 2011-13 where he totaled a goal and 11 assists, and racked up 252 minutes in penalties. He also dished out a pair of assists in four career playoff games for the Cyclones. Liambas’ ECHL service also included a 32-game stint with the Orlando Solar Bears in 2012-13 in which he accounted for a pair of goals and seven assists, along with 151 minutes in penalties.
Standing at 5’10” and weighing in at 203 pounds, Liambas has spent most his professional career in the American Hockey League (AHL), seeing time with the Milwaukee Admirals, AHL affiliate of the Cyclones, and the Rockford IceHogs. In 201 AHL games, Liambas has recorded 11 goals and nine assists along with a whopping 716 minutes in penalties.
Liambas made his pro debut in 2009 with the Bloomington PrairieThunder of the now-defunct International Hockey League (IHL), skating in 25 games over parts of two seasons. He was responsible for a goal and three assists along with 146 penalty minutes in that time.
Prior to turning pro, Liambas enjoyed a successful junior career in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the Erie Otters. In 124 games with Erie, he potted five goals and added eight helpers while logging 357 penalty minutes. The 27-year-old also spent a season at the University of British Columbia in 2010-11 accounting for nine points (3g, 9a) and 85 minutes in penalties in 25 games.
Liambas joins forward Frederick Gaudreau as former Cyclones to make their NHL debut this season. He is the 20th Cyclone overall and the 607th former ECHLer to skate in an NHL game.
The 2016-17 season is underway, and the Cincinnati Cyclones want you along for the ride as they march towards another Kelly Cup Championship! 2016-17 single game tickets and packages along with group and Season Ticket Packages are available NOW! Call (513) 421-PUCK to reserve your seats. Fans can also get the latest team updates on Facebook, Twitter (@CincyCyclones), and Instagram, along with our website, www.cycloneshockey.com!
