CINCINNATI , Ohio – The Cincinnati Cyclones, proud affiliate of the NHL’s Florida Panthers and Nashville Predators, announced today that forwards Mike Embach and Blake Gallagher have agreed to terms with the club for the 2012-13 season.

Embach (EM-bock), a second-year pro, comes to Cincinnati after a strong rookie year with the Chicago Express. In 2011-12, the 24-year-old finished eighth on the team in scoring with 13 goals and 13 assists in 60 games. An Orland Park, Illinois native, Embach played his collegiate hockey at Ferris State University, where he amassed 58 points (27 goals, 31 assists) in 132 career games. During his senior season, he led the NCAA in shorthanded goals (5). Following school, Embach made his professional debut in the spring of 2010, when he logged five games with the Texas Stars (AHL) and accumulated four penalty minutes.

“Mike was a guy who I admired last season when we faced Chicago,” said Cyclones Head Coach Jarrod Skalde. “He has a tremendous work ethic and compete level. I feel that this could be a breakout year for him on the ice and we’re very excited to have him.”

Gallagher (GAL-uh-grr), a 24-year-old Cole Harbor, Nova Scotia native, will return to North American hockey this fall for a third professional season after spending the 2011-12 campaign in France playing with Strasbourg. While overseas, he logged 26 games and finished tied for third on the team in scoring with 23 points (12 goals, 11 assists) and 41 penalty minutes. A year prior, in 2010-11, Gallagher made his professional debut with the Las Vegas Wranglers, skating in 61 games and notched 29 points (12 goals, 17 assists) during that span. He also added a pair of assists in five Kelly Cup Playoff contests. Prior to going pro, he was a four year letter winner at Cornell University, appearing in 103 games and finishing with 100 points (33 goals, 67 assists) which tied him for 46th best on the school’s all-time scoring list. During his senior season, he led Cornell with 18 goals and added 19 assists to lead the team in scoring – helping the Big Red earn an ECAC Championship.

“I’m really looking forward to Blake bringing a high level of speed, energy, and leadership to our group,” said Skalde. “I’m confident he will be a great asset to our forwards and can effectively play in all three zones.”

The countdown to the 2012-13 season is officially underway! On Saturday, October 13, the Cyclones will host the second-annual Power Play 5K Run/Walk followed by the 2012 First Face-Off against the Wheeling Nailers at U.S. Bank Arena. Registration for the race is open NOW on CyclonesHockey.com. Don’t forget the Cyclones will host an exhibition game at U.S. Bank Arena on Friday, October 5 at 7:30pm with tickets available for just $5! Contact a Cyclones Ticket Representative today at 513.421.PUCK to reserve your seats. Fans can also get the latest team updates throughout the offseason on Facebook and Twitter (@CincyCyclones).

To view Embach's career playing statistics, click here.

To view Gallagher's career playing statistics, click here.