Niagara's Ryan Annesley signs with CIncinnati Cyclones (ECHL)

Courtesy of Niagara Athletic Communications

Niagara blueliner Ryan Annesley signed a deal to play for the Cincinnati Cyclones of the East Coast Hockey League, as announced by the team on Tuesday. The Cyclones are the ECHL affiliate of the Florida Panthers and the Nashville Predators.

"Annesley has contributed so much to the program the last five years he has been at Niagara," Niagara head coach Dave Burkholder said. "I wish him nothing but the best as he begins his professional career."

Annesley is the third Purple Eagle from the 2011 senior class to play pro hockey, including Bryan Haczyk (Trenton - ECHL) and Paul Zanette(Hamilton & Rockford - AHL). Annesley will look to play with former Purple Eagle Barret Ehgoetz, Niagara's Career Points leader, who has won two Kelly Cup championships with the Cyclones.

The Ajax, Ont. native played in 144 games over five seasons for the Purple Eagles, scoring 16 goals, 54 assists and 70 points. The 25-year-old defenseman was named to the 2007-08 All-College Hockey America First Team, while earning all-league academic honors four times.

"Ryan comes highly recommended and is a puck-moving defenseman." Cyclones head coach Jarrod Skalde said in a release. "He is a very good skater who I see playing on our power play. I'm excited to have a guy who can make that first pass, join the rush and be responsible defensively."

Niagara will begin the 2011-12 campaign with an exhibition game against Queens on Oct. 1, before hitting the road to start the regular season against 2010-11 NCAA National Runner-Up, Michigan on Oct. 4. Fans can purchase season tickets for the 2011-12 season, by either calling 716-286-TIXX (8499) or by emailing tickets@purpleeagles.com.