LOS ANGELES, California – Former Cincinnati Cyclones forward Ryan Russell became the eighth Cyclones player to play in the National Hockey League when he made his debut with Columbus Blue Jackets in a 1-0 win against the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday night. 

The 24-year-old logged 13:03 of ice time for the Blue Jackets including almost four minutes on the penalty kill. Russell appeared in 12 regular-season games with the Cyclones in 2007-08, scoring 10 points (6 goals, 4 assists), while also tallying three points (2 goals, 1 assist) in 25 contests with the Hamilton Bulldogs of the American Hockey League.

A seventh-round selection (211st overall) by the New York Rangers in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, Russell added seven points (3 goals, 4 assists) in 15 Kelly Cup Playoff games with Cincinnati, and helped the Cyclones capture their first-ever Kelly Cup title.

He spent the next three seasons with Hamilton, scoring 97 points (49 goals, 48 assists) in 218 regular-season games and added 25 points (15 goals, 10 assists) in 45 postseason contests. Prior to his recall to Columbus, the Red Deer, Alberta native appeared in 30 games with Springfield, scoring nine goals and adding six assists for 15 points.

Russell becomes the eighth former Cyclones player to skate in an NHL game, and the second this season. Frederic St. Denis (2009-09), Chris Mueller (2009-10), Greg Stewart (2006-07), David Desharnais (2007-08), J.T. Wyman (2008-09), Mark Dekanich (2009-10) and Cedrick Desjardins (2006-08) are the other seven.

Cincinnati will wrap up their weekend road trip later this afternoon with another battle against the Jackals at 4:05pm. Fans can hear all of the action on the Cyclones Radio Network (1160-AM, America One) beginning at 4:50pm.

The Cyclones will return to U.S. Bank Arena next Friday, January 13 when they welcome in the Kalamazoo Wings at 7:30pm. The first 2,000 fans through the gates will receive a limited edition Cyclones Winter Hat! 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)