For Immediate Release: July 11, 2016

CYCLONES HEAD BACK EAST

Cincinnati To Compete In Eastern Conference’s South Division

Cincinnati, OH- The ECHL has announced their divisional realignment plan for the 2016-2017 season. As a result of this plan, the Cyclones will now be members of the Eastern Conference’s South Division. The move marks a return to the Eastern Conference for Cincinnati, who spent last season in the Western Conference as members of the Midwest Division.

The Cyclones will be joining the Atlanta Gladiators, Florida Everblades, Greenville Swamp Rabbits, Norfolk Admirals, Orlando Solar Bears, and South Carolina Stingrays. Cincinnati’s former divisional foes Ft. Wayne, Indy, and Quad City remain in the Western Conference as members of the new Central Division.

Cincinnati has five games against their new divisional rivals- two with Atlanta (11/18 in Cincinnati and 1/14 in Atlanta), two with Greenville (1/15 and 4/7 in Greenville) and one with South Carolina (4/8 in South Carolina). The Cyclones skated in nine games against South Division teams in 2015-2016, compiling a 3-5-1-0 record in those contests.

The League has also announced a new playoff format to go along with the realignment. The top four teams in each division will make the playoffs, with rounds one and two being played against divisional opponents.

Full ECHL Realignment

EASTERN CONFERENCE

NORTH DIVISION – Adirondack, Brampton, Elmira, Manchester, Reading, Wheeling

SOUTH DIVISION – Atlanta, Cincinnati, Florida, Greenville, Norfolk, Orlando, South Carolina 

WESTERN CONFERENCE

CENTRAL DIVISION – Fort Wayne, Indy, Kalamazoo, Quad City, Toledo, Tulsa, Wichita

MOUNTAIN DIVISION – Alaska, Allen, Colorado, Idaho, Missouri, Rapid City, Utah 

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!