The Cyclones announced earlier today that the team has re-signed forward Patrick Polino for the 2023-24 season.
Polino, 28, returns to Cincinnati for a third consecutive season. The Buffalo, New York native finished fourth in scoring on the 'Clones last year, registering 23 goals and 31 assists for a 54-point campaign. He, along with team captain Justin Vaive, were the only two skaters to appear in every game for the Cyclones last season, including playoffs. In 11 postseason games, Polino scored two goals and posted six points.
"It's great to come back to Cincinnati," said Polino. "We've had good teams in both of my years here, but last year's group was special, especially when you think back to that point streak (21 games). We took a step forward getting out of the first round last year, but we're pushing for more. I think this will be another good team and we want to go on a deep playoff run."
Over two seasons, Polino has skated in 98 regular season games for the Cyclones, amassing 31 goals and 78 points. Polino has also appeared in 36 AHL games since first making his professional debut with AHL-Rochester in 2021.
"Polino is a key piece to our offensive core," said Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations, Jason Payne. "There were times last season where we were banged up with injuries and short on the bench with call-ups and in those situations he was one of our stars. He stepped up and logged a ton of minutes for us. We'd throw him on the wing, in the face-off dot, power play, penalty kill; you name it, he did it. We played 83 games last season and he took the ice for all of them. The guy works and competes every night. We're very excited to keep him in Cincinnati."
