The Cincinnati Cyclones announced today that the team has signed defenseman Matt Cairns for the 2022-23 ECHL season.

Cairns, 24, entered his first professional season on an AHL contract with Rochester last year but spent the bulk of his 2021-22 campaign in Cincinnati. Cairns has been signed to an ECHL contract with the Cyclones ahead of this season.

"I got excited once I got off the phone with Payner (Jason Payne) and officially signed to come back to Cincinnati," said Cairns. "This season I just want to be somebody who is so steady and so solid that the coach can put me out on the ice for any situation. I'm so excited to get back to Cincinnati and be in front of our fans. I'm excited for the atmosphere and the energy they provide and hopefully this year we can give them a little more."

"Coming off an American League (AHL) contract and being in his first pro season, Matt's progression throughout the year was evident," said Coach Payne. "He played a lot of minutes for us and will continue to do so for this upcoming season. He was an NHL draft pick for a reason. He's got the tools to be extremely successful and we look forward to working with him and seeing his growth continue."

Matt Cairns 

Position: Defenseman

Drafted: 2016, Rd.3 (#84), Edmonton Oilers 

Age: 24 (4/27/1998)

Born: Mississauga, Ontario

HT: 6’2”  |  WT: 203 lbs

Shoots: Left

• Led all Cyclones skaters in plus/minus with a +21 rating last season. Skated in 65 games with Cincinnati, scoring two goals and collecting 16 points.

• Earned a two-game call-up to AHL-Rochester in December. Made his AHL debut against Providence on December 29th. 

• Graduated from The University of Minnesota-Duluth in 2021 after transferring from Cornell University. Posted six assists in 28 games with the Bulldogs en route to an ECAC regular season title.

• Previously played 61 games with Cornell, earning three goals and six points. Captured his first of two ECAC regular season championships during freshman year.

• Scattered 134 junior hockey games across the OJHL, USHL, and BCHL.

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!