The Cincinnati Cyclones, proud affiliate of the NHL’s Florida Panthers and Nashville Predators, announced today the pregame event schedule for the 2011-2012 season. This year’s festivities will be highlighted by the return of Pucks and Pinot (wine tasting) and the addition of Sticks and Spirits (liquor tasting) and Pucks and Pints (beer tasting). The first pregame event this Friday as the Cyclones host Pucks and Pints at 6:00pm! This beer tasting will take place in the All Access Bar and Grill located on the fifth floor of the arena. For only $25 you will receive a game ticket, samples of five beers, three hor dourves, and a commemorative glass. This Friday's beers will feature Peroni, Full Sail Session Fest, Blue Moon Winter Abbey Ale, Leinekugel Fireside, and Harpoon IPA.

The Cyclones will once again team up with Constellation Wines for Pucks and Pinot this season allowing fans to taste a wide variety of wines from across the world. Pucks and Pinot will take place prior to each of the Cyclones seven Wednesday home games this season. For only $35, fans will receive a sampling of eight wines, three paired appetizers, a commemorative etched stemless wine glass, and a ticket to that night’s game.

The newly added Sticks and Spirits will take place prior to three Friday night Cyclones games this season. Each night will focus on a different spirit including Tequila, Vodka, and Whiskey. The Sticks and Spirits program will offer a sampling of multiple spirits, three appetizers, a commemorative etched rocks glass, and a ticket to that night’s game.

Pucks and Pints will allow Cyclones fans to sample five different beers prior to select Friday Cyclones games.  The first three events will see the Cyclones team up with Stagnaro Distributing with the final event being hosted by Christian Moerlein. For only $25 fans will receive the beer samples, three appetizers, a commemorative etched pint glass, and a ticket to that night’s game.

A full calendar including what will be featured at each tasting can be found at cycloneshockey.com.

The Cyclones will be back on the ice at U.S. Bank Arena this Tuesday morning as they host Toledo for the 2011 Education in Hockey Day presented by Ohio Lottery. Secure your seats now by calling 513.421.PUCK or log on to CyclonesHockey.com. Fans can also get the latest team updates throughout the season on Facebook and Twitter (@CincyCyclones).