The Cincinnati Cyclones have a new affiliation with the Toronto Maple Leafs after their previous agreement with the New York Rangers lasted just one season
The Cincinnati Cyclones have announced their new affiliation with the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Cyclones had previously been affiliated with the New York Rangers, with the agreement lasting only one season (2023-24). The New York Rangers recently announced their new affiliation with the Bloomington Bison.
“We are thrilled to be associated with an organization with such a storied history as the Toronto Maple Leafs,” said Cyclones General Manager Vice President Kristin Ropp in a statement. “To partner with an organization that places value in the development of players from the ECHL through the AHL and into the NHL is truly exciting.”
"We are excited to embark on this new partnership with the Cincinnati Cyclones," stated Brad Treliving, General Manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs. "This is a significant investment for our hockey club as we look to provide our players with the best resources available to support their growth and professional development."
“Being a Toronto Native, my foundation for the game of hockey was laid in that city,” said Cyclones Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Jason Payne. “The sport and Leafs Nation mean so much, to so many. It’s not just a part of life, it’s the way of life. I’m excited about the affiliation between our proud franchise the Cincinnati Cyclones and the Original Six Toronto Maple Leafs.”
The Toronto Maple Leafs were looking for a new ECHL affiliate after the Newfoundland Growlers ceased operations in early April. Toronto was affiliated with the Growlers from 2018 to 2024 and with the Orlando Solar Bears from 2012 to 2018.
The Cincinnati Cyclones finished the 2023-24 season with a 31-34-7-0 record and a sixth-place finish in the Central Division. The Cyclones missed the playoffs for the first time in four non-COVID-impacted seasons.
The Cyclones will open their 2024-25 schedule on the road against Kalamazoo on Saturday, October 19. Cincinnati's first home game will be against the Indy Fuel on Saturday, October 26.