Cyclones re-sign All-Star defenseman Knodel

Cincinnati, Ohio - The Cincinnati Cyclones, ECHL affiliate of the American Hockey League's Rochester Americans and the National Hockey League's Buffalo Sabres, have re-signed defenseman Eric Knodel to a contract for the 2017-18 season.

Knodel skated in 58 games last season and led the team in defenseman scoring with 28 points (8g-20a), and was tied for third with a +7 rating. He was one of the ECHL's top defensemen at the midway point of the season, and for his efforts he was awarded a spot in the 2017 CCM/ECHL All-Star Classic in Glens Falls. He also took part in the All-Star Hardest Shot Competition, where he finished in second place with a shot of 96mph.

Knodel split the 2015-16 season between the Utah Grizzlies and the AHL's San Diego Gulls. In 56 games with the Grizzlies, Knodel accounted for 22 points (7g-15a), along with 16 penalty minutes and a +7 rating.

His first full pro season was 2014-15 where he saw time with the Orlando Solar Bears and the AHL's Toronto Marlies. In 57 combined games that year, Knodel accounted for 27 points (5g-22a) along with a +16 rating. He began his pro career in 2014 with the Marlies, following completion of his collegiate career, dishing out a pair of assists in 10 games.

Prior to turning pro, Knodel spent four seasons at the University of New Hampshire, and was named captain during his season year in 2013-14. In 116 games for the Wildcats, he accounted for 61 points (20g-41a), including a career-high 28 (7g-21a) during his senior year.