It's been WAY too long since I've thrown together a blog...and for that I apologize...so here's some of the big things going on in Puckopolis:

The big news...the trade.  Evan Trupp and Ryan Annesley were dealt to Bakersfield in exchange for rookie centerman Matt Sisca and future considerations.  Both Trupp and Annesley are fantastic individuals and talented players, but the Clones were in need of a skilled man in the middle and Sisca filled that role.  In addition, they are going to get their pick of another player between now and the trade deadline...which I would bet will turn out to be a defenseman.  As of January 13, Sisca ranks 4th among all ECHL rookies in points, 2nd in shots, and 3rd in assists.  He's a guy that is going to make an offensive difference for Jarrod Skalde's club.  And on a team that had won just 8 games this year (worst in the ECHL), Sisca had earned a +8 rating...which is staggering.  Bottom line...I like the deal.

- Chet Pickard is back for the Cyclones tonight (1/13)...he's been nursing a sore groin over the last few weeks and wasn't able to play.  But he's worked tirelessly to get himself back into game shape and will be in net vs. Kalamazoo.  Nashville's Assistant Goalie Coach Ben Vanderklok has also been town this week to work with Chet.

- Speaking of goaltending, I haven't yet written about the new backstop, Brad Fogal, since he joined the team last week...the guy has answered the bell. While he admits he would like to have a better record at this point, he played admirably in four games over five days - including a "W" in his debut last Wednesday against Greenville.

- THANK YOU....I wanted to send out a quick thank you message to all of you guys who sent emails/wrote tweets/etc last week when I had the chance to back up for the Clones against Greenville.  And although I was able to dress in a game late last year, it was the first time that I did it at U.S. Bank Arena.  It was honestly a boyhood dream come true and something I'll never forget.  I genuinly appreciate all the great feedback!

- Last week we had a chance to visit Full Throttle Racing out in Springdale for a Cyclones Team Outing...and BOY was it fun.  Although, I didn't fare so well...it was worth every second.  Here are some highlights in case you missed it...

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With the calendar flipped to 2012...now, too, will begin a menacing schedule...at least when it comes to the number of games played.  As we have harped on in the past, the Clones have been blessed/cursed with an extremely light schedule that gives them games in hand to make up.  But with that will come some serious tests of will.  Including tonight (Jan 13), Cincinnati plays 8 of their next 10 games against North Division teams.

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Major congrats to Brian Foster...he has spent the last week or so with the Florida Panthers during a crazy shuffle with goaltenders within the organization.  First, Jose Theodore went down temporarily with a knee injury.  Then Jakob Markstrom underwent a knee procedure...so "Fozzie" got his shot to back-up in the NHL.  Not bad for a guy who started last year in the CHL.

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Speaking of the NHL....check out this great story from Forbes on the financial regrowth of the Florida Panthers organization.

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Meanwhile, the New Jersey Devils remain in trouble....big trouble...

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Although there will not be an ECHL All-Star Game this year...there will be an announcement on Monday about something else that will take its place for this year.  Stay tuned. 

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In the NHL...several Panthers and Predators have been named to the All-Star Game in Ottawa!  Congrats to all of 'em.

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And in case you're interested in such things...here is the full list of NHL All-Stars...

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2013 Winter Classic rumors swirl...and involve two venues in one city....

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Henrik Zetterberg is SICK....

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