Final day of camp before pre-season

In day 7 of Cyclones training camp the club worked on something they were mediocre at best last season. The power play. With the first pre-season game tomorrow against the Wheeling Nailers at WesBanco Arena the Clones' went to work hard today and Coach Skalde was very happy with what he saw. "The talent level has improved a lot this week,” said Skalde.  “The overall level of competition was at a great level today.  It was a good power play and penalty killing day to get some of those basics down going into this weekend.”
For a third day in a row a new player was donning a Cyclones jersey. Rookie goalie, Marc Cheverie. The former Denver Pioneer was assigned to the Cyclones from the Rochester Amerks after spending last week and most of this week in the AHL camp. We asked Marc today about the transition from the NCAA level to the pro's. “It’s tough to say right now because I haven’t played a game yet,” said Cheverie.  “Practices have been fine and I’m excited to get the season started.  I anticipate having an easy transition, but it’s always difficult to step up.  I’m not going to take anything for granted…I know it’s going to be an adjustment.”

Head Coach, Jarrod Skalde believes Marc has the intensity and work ethic to not only succeed in the ECHL but beyond. “He’s a young guy starting his pro career and I know he’s excited to get a full game in this weekend,” said Skalde.  “I’m excited to have him.  I know he’s a kid who wants to work hard and understands that work has to be done here in Cincinnati before any progress can be made to the big club in Rochester.”

During the past four seasons the Cyclones have had one thing that was a certain. Solid goaltending. During those Chuck Weber era' years the goalies usually split time between the pipes so with the reigning NCAA Goalie of The Year and reigning ECHL Playoff MVP and ECHL All-Star, Jeremy Smith how does Skalde plan to utilize the dynamic duo?

“It’s something that’s going to play itself out.  I believe Smith and Marc will determine that,” said Skalde. We’re here to win hockey games and we want them to improve.  But at the end of the day, it’s who is getting the job done for us.  They both understand that.  It’s on reward basis and if you’re going, you’ve got the hot hand, you’re going to be starting.”