CINCINNATI, Ohio – The Cincinnati Cyclones, proud affiliate of the NHL’s Florida Panthers and Nashville Predators, announced today that they have agreed to terms with forwards Matt Pierce and Dan Eves for the 2011-12 season.

Pierce, a 26-year-old, Arnprior, Ontario native returns to the Cyclones for his third season of work. Despite playing in just 26 games last season due to an injury, the third-year forward collected 21 points (8 goals, 13 assists) and 14 penalty-minutes with four multi-point games and two game-winning goals. In his rookie season, in 2009-10, Pierce was one of the ECHL’s top first-year players; he led all Cincinnati rookies with 50 points (28 goals, 22 assists) in 60 games, which also earned him a spot in the 2010 ECHL All-Star Classic. Additionally, the five-foot-eleven, 180-pounder added four assists in nine postseason contests helping the Cyclones capture the 2010 Kelly Cup title. Prior to going pro, Pierce was a four-year letter winner at Mercyhurst College; he posted 102 points (54 goals, 48 assists) in 134 career college games.

“I’m looking forward to have Matt come in and perform like he did in his rookie season,” said Cyclones Head Coach Jarrod Skalde. “I think he has the ability and the drive to get back to where he was before he got injured. He realizes that this is a big season for him and he didn't perform like he wanted to last year. He takes pride in his work and we’re excited to have him back in the mix.”

Eves, a fourth-year pro, will don a Cincinnati jersey for the second consecutive year. After being acquired from South Carolina in a trade last February, the 25-year-old forward skated in 16 regular season games with the Cyclones and registered 13 points (4 goals, 9 assists) with eight penalty minutes. He also played in two of the team’s three Kelly Cup Playoff contests but did not earn a tally. In all, Eves posted points in 12 of his final 17 games (including playoffs). Collectively as a pro, the Lake Orion, Michigan native has amassed 89 points (36 goals, 53 assists) and 224 penalty minutes (PIM) in 160 games. He played collegiately at Lake Superior State University from 2004-08 where he compiled 63 points (29 goals, 34 assists) and 229 PIM in 105 career-games. Eves twice earned the “Soo Blueliner Award” given to the team’s Most Valuable Player.

“Dan brings a professionalism to this team,” said Skalde. “He’s a guy who carries himself like a pro on and off the ice who can play in all situations and at all different positions. You need guys like him with that veteran presence and overall leadership ability. He is a big addition to our hockey club.”

The countdown to the 2011-12 season is officially underway! Secure your seats for this year’s Home Opener on Saturday, November 5 when the Cyclones welcome the Chicago Express to U.S. Bank Arena for the first time at 7:30pm. Contact a ticket representative today at 513.421.PUCK or log on to CyclonesHockey.com for more information. Fans can also get the latest team updates during the offseason on Facebook and Twitter.

Click here to view both players' career statistics.