Cincinnati Cyclones Make Professional Hockey History

The Cyclones became the first team in pro hockey history to start a unit of five Black players.

The Cyclones have made pro hockey history. 

Cincinnati started five Black players in Saturday's game against Wheeling, becoming the first team in professional hockey history to start a forward and defensive unit comprised of all Black players.

Landon Cato, Elijah Gonsalves, Jalen Smereck, Kyle Bollers and Josh Burnside all started the game for Cyclones' head coach Jason Payne, one of two Black head coaches in the ECHL, along with Kalamazoo's Joel Martin.

The Cyclones would close out the momentous evening with an overtime win off the stick of Ole Julian Bjørgvik-Holm, topping the Railers 3-2.