LONGTIME CYCLONES CAPTAIN JUSTIN VAIVE ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT AFTER 16 PROFESSIONAL SEASONS
CINCINNATI, Ohio - The Cincinnati Cyclones, proud ECHL affiliate of the Toronto Maple Leafs, today announced that longtime captain Justin Vaive has announced his retirement from professional hockey after 16 seasons. Vaive retires as the franchise leader in games played, goals, points, power play goals, and game-winning goals.
A native of Buffalo, NY, Vaive began his career in the U.S. National Development Program where he spent two seasons with one of the most highly-decorated hockey programs in the world. Vaive represented the United States in the 2006 U-17 IIHF World Championships and the 2007 U-18 IIHF World Championships, where he would earn a silver medal. Immediately following, Vaive would be selected in the fourth round of the 2007 NHL Draft by the Anaheim Ducks (92nd overall), and attend Miami University for four years.
“We couldn’t be more grateful for the impact Justin has made over the course of his career with the Cyclones,” said Cyclones Chairman and Owner Ray Harris. “His retirement marks the end of a tremendous career and we are so proud of the legacy he’s left behind with our organization. His statistics speak for themselves, but his impact on our community and the amount of support he’s given this club speaks to his character and commitment to this city.”
Vaive’s professional career spans 16 seasons, including seven in the American Hockey League, and 13 in the ECHL. He’s recorded 67 points in 280 career games played in the AHL, and 331 points over the course of his 601-game ECHL career. In total, Vaive finishes his career with 881 professional games played, and a Kelly Cup Championship title with the Fort Wayne Komets in 2021. Vaive’s career saw him play for three ECHL franchises (Cincinnati Cyclones, Greenville Road Warriors, Fort Wayne Komets) and five AHL franchises (San Antonio Rampage, Hartford Wolf Pack, Bridgeport Sound Tigers, Rochester Americans, Belleville Senators).
“Cincinnati has always been my home and it always will be. I met my wife here, our daughter was born here, I have so much love for this special place and it’s only fitting that I announce my retirement with the organization that’s given me so much,” said Cyclones forward Justin Vaive. “I just want to thank the organization from ownership to support staff, my teammates, and the fans for making these last 16 seasons a journey to remember.”
As a member of the Cincinnati Cyclones, Vaive holds virtually every offensive record in team history. He finishes his career in the Queen City with the team record in games played (541), goals (165), points (295), power play goals (59), and game-winning goals (22). On March 6, 2026, Vaive broke the all-time points record held by Barrett Ehgoetz with his 292nd career point. Earlier that season, he became the first player to appear in 500 games with the Cyclones. He also finishes fourth all-time in assists (130).
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. Subscribe to FloSports and watch every Cyclones hit, save, and goal live and on demand using this link today: https://flosports.link/4dVcToM
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