Cincinnati, OH - The Cincinnati Cyclones, the 2008 Kelly Cup champions, announced today that they have acquired defenseman Joe Grimaldi from the Gwinnett Gladiators in exchange for considerations. Grimaldi becomes the first member of the 2008-09 Cyclones squad.
Grimaldi, 21, spent his rookie season playing for six different teams. Joe played with three different ECHL teams (Elmira, Fresno and Gwinnett), netting four goals and 17 assists for 21 points and 142 penalty minutes in 67 games. He also saw AHL action with three clubs (Rochester, Albany and Peoria), appearing in seven games, collecting an assist and 18 penalty minutes.
Grimaldi registered four multiple point games during the season, highlighted by a three assist performance for Elmira in a 6-3 win over Gwinnett on November 20. Joe's grit was evident, recording ten fights between the two leagues (eight in ECHL contests).
The six-foot, 200 pound native of Ronkonroma, New York, previously played two seasons of junior hockey (2005-06 and 2006-07) with Ottawa (OHL). His final season there (2006-07), Grimaldi participated in 65 games and had a pair of goals and 34 assists for 36 points and 185 penalty minutes, sixth-most among OHL players.
