CINCINNATI, Ohio – The Cincinnati Cyclones, proud affiliate of the NHL’s Florida Panthers and Nashville Predators, announced today that they have acquired defenseman Nick Tabisz from the South Carolina Stingrays in exchange for forward Daniel Koger.

Tabisz, a rookie defenseman from Kettering, Ohio, will join the Cyclones after starting his professional career in South Carolina. Upon finishing four years at St. Norbert College last spring, the 24-year old appeared in three games with the Stingrays scoring two points (1 goal, 1 assist). In 2011-12, he ranked third among team-defensemen with 19 points (6 goals, 13 assists) in 43 games.

During his collegiate playing days, Tabisz amassed 37 goals and 61 assists for 98 points in 118 games and is the only player in school history to be named to the first-team All-Northern Collegiate Hockey Association in each of his four seasons. On March 26, 2011, Tabisz netted the game-winning goal against Adrian College in the NCAA Division III Men’s Hockey national title game in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Daniel Koger played 22 games for the Cyclones in 2011-12, registering 20 points (5 goals, 15 assists) and 33 penalty minutes during that stretch. He also enjoyed three different stints at the American Hockey League level; Koger logged three games with the St. John’s Ice Caps, five games with the Providence Bruins, and five games with the Milwaukee Admirals.

“These are the situations where making trades are very difficult,” said Cyclones Head Coach Jarrod Skalde. “Daniel is a very talented player and an even better person. When you have someone of that quality on and off the ice, it makes it extremely tough. However, moving forward, we are in need of some skilled defensemen who can help carry us as we head down the stretch. I’m very excited to have Nick [Tabisz] in our locker room and I know he’s very pleased to be playing in his home state. He is a big addition for us.”

Tabisz is expected to make his Cincinnati debut tomorrow night when Cyclones return to U.S. Bank Arena, as they welcome in the Elmira Jackals at 7:30pm. It will be another Thirsty Thursday, with $1 PBR and Miller High Life flowing all night long. Plus, fans are encouraged to wear red apparel for the first-ever Cyclones Red Out! 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).

Click here to view Tabisz' career statistics.