CINCINNATI, OH – The Cincinnati Cyclones, proud ECHL affiliate of the Toronto Maple Leafs, announced today the signings of goaltender Jon Gillies and defenseman Nikolai Knyzhov. The duo brings over 100 games of NHL experience to Cincinnati.
Jon Gillies was a third-round draft choice of the Calgary Flames in 2012 and has played in NHL creases with the Flames, St. Louis Blues, New Jersey Devils and most recently the Columbus Blue Jackets. In the 2021-22 campaign, the Concord, New Hampshire native played in 19 contests with the Devils and posted a 3.76 goals-against-average and an .885 save percentage.
The 30-year-old has 184 games in the American Hockey League under his belt with the Stockton Heat, Utica Comets, Providence Bruins, Lehigh Valley Phantoms and Tucson Roadrunners. Gillies in the AHL has a career goals-against-average under three and a save percentage over .900.
Before making the jump to pro, the 6’6” netminder spent three seasons at Providence College and won a National Championship with the Friars.
Nikolai Knyzhov joins the Cyclones after attending the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins training camp on a PTO. From Kemerovo, Russia, Knyzhov has 81 games in the NHL under his belt, all with the San Jose Sharks. In the 2020-21 season, the defenseman was with the Sharks for 56 games and snagged 10 points (2g, 8a).
The 26-year-old has spent significant time in the AHL as well with the San Jose Barracuda. Nikolai has 92 American Hockey League games to his name and 21 points over that span (4g, 17a).
Knyzhov also brings experience overseas to the ‘Clones having played in the KHL and represented his country in the World Junior Championships.
Call (513) 421-PUCK for tickets and more information and stay on top of all the latest team updates and information on Facebook, Twitter (@CincyCyclones), and Instagram, along with our website, www.cycloneshockey.com.
