CINCINNATI, Ohio – The Cincinnati Cyclones are pleased to announce that they have renewed their minor league affiliation agreement with the Florida Panthers for the 2014-15 season. As they have in previous years, the Cyclones will serve as the ECHL affiliate for both the Panthers and Nashville Predators.

The Florida Panthers, who will open their 21st NHL season this October, will remain as the Cyclones parent club for the fifth consecutive campaign. The Panthers are led by Gerard Gallant and feature the 2014 first overall pick, Aaron Ekblad. A season ago, forward Garrett Wilson became the 13th Cyclones alum to make his NHL debut when he skated for the Panthers on March 18, 2014 against San Jose.

As it has been for the last three seasons, the San Antonio Rampage will be the American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate for the Panthers. The Cyclones and Rampage were closely connected a year ago; 12 Cyclones players received call-ups at some point during the 2013-14 regular season and logged a combined 222 AHL games.

“We’re very happy to be partnering again with Florida and San Antonio,” said Cyclones Head Coach Matt Macdonald. “They have done an excellent job in providing us with quality players who strive to reach their goal of playing at the higher levels. We’re proud to play a part in accelerating the development of Florida’s young prospects.”

“The Panthers are pleased to once again partner with the Cincinnati Cyclones,” said Executive VP and General Manager Dale Tallon, “Cincinnati had a very successful season last year advancing to the Kelly Cup finals and it is important that our prospects develop in a winning and positive environment.”

The countdown to the 2014-15 First Face-Off is nearly complete! The Cyclones will return for another season of hockey at U.S. Bank Arena on Saturday, October 25 when they play host to the Kalamazoo Wings at 7:30pm. Fans can also get the latest team updates throughout the offseason on Facebook and Twitter (@CincyCyclones).