The Cyclones added a pair of players to their roster ahead of a weekend set of games against Wheeling, signing forward Nick Nardella to an Amateur Tryout (ATO), while adding defenseman Ryan Wheeler, who has signed a Standard Player Contract (SPC). Both players are expected to be in Cincinnati's lineup Saturday evening.
Nardella, 24, gets plucked from Michigan Tech, where he played two seasons with current Cyclones goaltender, Mark Sinclair. Nardella appeared in 32 games for the Huskies this season, posting a goal and 14 points. The Rosemont, Illinois native has registered four goals and 31 points over his three year, 83-game tenure at Michigan Tech, while pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in business. Prior to college, Nardella played two seasons for NAHL-Janesville, where he served as captain of the team for the 2019-20 season. He led the team in points in back-to-back seasons, including a 51-point campaign his final year, finishing in the top 15 for league scoring. Nardella is a second generation player. His father, Bob, played 14 professional seasons in various leagues, including the IHL and AHL. His brother, Bobby, is in the midst of his fourth season with AHL-Hershey.
Wheeler, 25, signed with the Cyclones after being released from the Iowa Heartlanders earlier in March. The Lancaster, New York native made his professional debut with Iowa last season and posted an assist in that same game against Cincinnati to earn him his first professional point. Wheeler came out of the University of Connecticut, where he earned Hockey East All-Academic honors three times. The rookie defenseman played junior hockey in both the OJHL and NAHL; the latter of which he spent two seasons with New Jersey and was recognized with a Community Service award by the league for his contributions during the 2016-17 season. Since turning pro, Wheeler has scored one goal and posted 11 assists through 71 ECHL games.
