The Cyclones announced earlier today that the team has signed defenseman Malcolm Hayes for the 2023-24 season.
Hayes, 28, began his ECHL career with Kansas City during the 2019-20 season, but has spent most of his career with hometown team in Atlanta, where he posted four assists and 80 penalty minutes across two seasons and 73 games. Outside the ECHL, Hayes has played for three SPHL teams, accumulating a goal and five points in 37 contests.
"I'm ready to jump into this next opportunity that's been afforded to me in hockey," said Hayes. "I know opportunity isn't just given; it's earned and has to be worked for. I'm thankful to Jason Payne and excited to come to Cincinnati. Getting to play for a team that has a winning reputation is important to me and I can't wait to get started."
"Malcolm approached me a couple seasons back when we were playing against Atlanta," said Payne. "He immediately struck me as a person of high character and in our dressing room, the player and the person aren't mutually exclusive. We try to get the person right first and Malcolm embodies the qualities we look for in a player. I'm excited to see him in a Cyclones jersey next month."
