For Immediate Release: June 28, 2016

ROPP NAMED ECHL EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR

Cyclones GM Takes Home League Honor for Second Time

Cincinnati, OH- The ECHL Board of Governors has selected Cyclones Vice President and General Manager Kristin Ropp as the recipient of the 2015-2016 ECHL Executive of the Year award. This marks the second honor for Ropp, who was also selected as ECHL Executive of the Year for the 2009-2010 season. She is just the fourth two-time recipient of this prestigious honor.

“I was humbled just to be nominated let alone receive this award by my peers, and I certainly accept it on behalf of my hard-working and dedicated staff who works year round for our Cyclones,” remarked Ropp. “Awards like this are not individual awards by any means and I know how blessed I am to work for a great organization, led by Ray Harris, who has taught me so much.”

A native of Pittsburgh, PA, Ropp oversaw tremendous sales growth this season, including a six percent increase in full season equivalent sales (FSE), marking the ninth consecutive season of growth in that area. The Cyclones also ranked fourth in the ECHL in group sales revenue after seeing a 23 percent increase in the amount of revenue generated over the 2014-2015 season.

Ropp was also instrumental in the creation and development of the Cyclones’ “Ninja Turtle Night,” which was the team’s first-ever sell-out with 16,529 fans, and stands as the second-largest crowd in League history.

"Kristin is a repeat winner of this award, having also been named Executive of the Year in 2010,” commented ECHL Commissioner Brian McKenna. “She is an enthusiastic promoter of her team, her arena, and her city, and is always willing to enhance innovative ideas to attract new fans and grow the Cyclones' brand."

Ropp, who also serves as Vice President and General Manager of U.S. Bank Arena, is a 1996 graduate of Ohio University. She has been with U.S. Bank Arena since 2002.

The countdown to the 2016-17 First Face-Off is underway! The Cyclones will return to U.S. Bank Arena on Saturday, October 15 when they host the Indy Fuel at 7:35pm. Between now and then, be on the lookout for several offseason events like Meijer Concrete Clones! Additionally, 2016-17 Season Ticket Packages are available NOW! Call 513.421.PUCK to reserve your seats. Fans can also get the latest team updates throughout the offseason on Facebook, Twitter (@CincyCyclones), and Instagram, along with our website, www.cycloneshockey.com!