The 2023-24 season ended prematurely for Cincinnati Cyclones forward Justin Vaive. The 35-year-old Buffalo native suffered an injury that derailed the remainder of his season.
Vaive is hoping for better things to come in 2024-25, signing with the Cyclones once again ahead of the upcoming season.
“To me now, Cincinnati is my first home,” Vaive told Cyclones PR after the signing. “I moved around so much as a kid: Charleston, Buffalo, out East in Canada, Toronto and then back to the States to play hockey myself. But now, having gotten married here and having such a connection to the city, it’s something I’ll definitely cherish for the rest of my life.”
Vaive will sport the captain’s “C” for a sixth season with the ‘Clones. Before shutting down last season, he collected 28 points (13-15-28) and punched in seven power play goals.
The left-handed shooter has climbed his way to within one goal of taking over the all-time Cyclones organizational record (from 1990 to present) for goals scored with 148.
A fourth-round draft pick (92nd overall) of the Anaheim Ducks in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, Vaive has already etched his name into the Cyclones record books. He’s played the most games (405) and scored the most goals (147) in team history (from 1995 to present).
Vaive enters his 14th professional season, which includes a Kelly Cup Championship. He’s also played 280 games in the AHL, including stints with the San Antonio Rampage, Hartford Wolf Pack, Bridgeport Sound Tigers, Rochester Americans and the Belleville Senators.
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Prior to turning pro, the 6-foot-6 forward played four seasons of collegiate hockey at nearby Miami (Ohio) University and spent time with the US National Team Development program (NTDP). In 49 games with the U.S. U-18 Team, he scored 14 points (8-6-14).
The Cyclones’ new affiliation with the Toronto Maple Leafs adds an extra special element for the Vaive family. Justin’s father, Rick, captained the Maple Leafs for four seasons during his eight-years with the Original Six club. He also spent time with the Chicago Blackhawks and Buffalo Sabres, playing in 876 games over a 14-year NHL career.
Justin Vaive is looking forward to helping the young Leafs stars of the future get their first taste of professional hockey.
“As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized how hard it is jumping into the pro game,” he said. “It’s something really special, being able to mentor those young guys as much as you can. I take a lot of pride in that.”
