The Cincinnati Cyclones announced today that the team has signed forward and team captain Justin Vaive for the 2022-23 ECHL season. 

Vaive, 33, has played parts of seven seasons with the Cyclones entering the upcoming ECHL campaign. He has worn a letter for the team since 2017 and enters his fifth season as the captain.  

"Cincinnati is a second home to me and I can't wait to get back on the ice at Heritage Bank Center this October," said Vaive. "I want to be the captain that was able to help bring the Kelly Cup back to Cincinnati and be part of a competitive team and I'm confident in our ability to do that this season."

"Justin Vaive was the first player we targeted to sign this offseason," said Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Jason Payne. "He's been our captain for a reason. His leadership qualities shape the culture of our dressing room and it's why we've been a playoff team every year he's worn the 'C'. We're happy to have Justin's talent stay right here in Cincinnati, and we look forward to surrounding him with other talented pieces as we build a team capable of a deep playoff run this season." 

Justin Vaive 

Position: Forward

Drafted: 2007, Rd.4 (#92nd), Anaheim Ducks

Age: 33 (7/8/1989)

Born: Buffalo, New York

HT: 6’6”  |  WT: 238 lbs

Shoots: Left

• ECHL career: 348GP: 122G - 98A - 220PTS

• Pro totals (ECHL/AHL): 628GP: 153G - 134A - 287PTS

• Entering 10th professional season and eighth with Cyclones. 

• Finished fourth in team scoring last season with 22 goals and 48 points across 70 games. Added five points in seven playoff games against Toledo in round one.

• Ranks among the top five all-time Cyclones players in points (185), goals (102), power play goals (32), games (288), and penalty minutes (500).

• Won Kelly Cup in 2021 with Fort Wayne Komets.

• Spent parts of seven seasons in the American Hockey League, playing mostly for Bridgeport, Hartford, and Rochester.

The puck drops on the 2022-23 regular season on the road October 23rd! Be sure to come out Saturday October 29th for First Face-off at Heritage Bank Center! Call (513) 421-PUCK for tickets and more information, and stay on top of all the latest team updates and information on Facebook, Twitter (@CincyCyclones), and Instagram, along with our website, www.cycloneshockey.com!