Cincinnati, OH - The Cincinnati Cyclones announced this afternoon that they will be the ECHL affiliate for both the Nashville Predators (NHL) and Milwaukee Admirals (AHL) for the 2008-09 season. These teams join Montreal (NHL) and Hamilton (AHL) as affiliates of the Cyclones.
The Nashville Predators are entering their eleventh season in the NHL in 2008-09. Nashville finished last season with a 41-32-9 record and 91 points to qualify for the Stanley Cup playoffs for the third straight year and fourth time in club history. Barry Trotz returns for his eleventh season as the coach of the Predators.
The American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate of the Predators will be the Milwaukee Admirals. Milwaukee finished last season with a 44-29-7 record and advanced to the Calder Cup playoffs for the sixth straight season. The Admirals are coached by Lane Lambert, who is in his second season on the job.
Cyclones fans will remember that at one time (1992-93 through 2000-01) the Admirals were enemies of the Cincinnati club as the two were members of the International Hockey League (IHL). The Cyclones were 23-17-4 (.568 winning percentage) in games versus the Admirals during that nine year stretch.
"We are very proud of the Cyclones success last season and excited to renew our affiliation agreement with such a quality organization," said Mike Santos, Director of Hockey Operations for the Predators. "The opportunity to have our prospects continue their development as champions under the guidance of an accomplished coach like Chuck Weber and in a city as wonderful as Cincinnati is one we could not pass up."
"The Nashville Predators are a solid team that has become one of the premier teams in the Western Conference," Cyclones Head Coach Chuck Weber said. "There is a core of young players that want to develop their talent and graduate to the next level. We are anxious to welcome them and get them started in that direction."
