Sometimes, it’s who you know that makes a difference where you sign.
Such is the case for forward Matt Boudens, who joined the Cincinnati Cyclones this week after signing with the club ahead of the 2024-25 season.
The center adds a number of qualities to the Cyclones’ forward group, including experience, goal-scoring and grit.
Boudens appeared in 56 games with the Savannah Ghost Pirates last season and was named the first captain in club history. The Pembroke, Ontario native notched 21 points (7-14-21) at the ECHL level. He also picked up an assist in five games playing in the AHL with the Henderson Silver Knights.
The 30-year-old forward embarks on his sixth season in the pros. Fort Wayne was Boudens’ ECHL home for most of his career, skating in 179 games for the Komets, wearing the “C” and winning a Kelly Cup with current Cyclones Justin Vaive and Matt Murphy in 2021.
“Having a new opportunity, a new team is really exciting,” Boudens said following his signing. “The hockey world is really small, so you’re usually connected to someone somehow, maybe you played with one of their buddies or someone they played at school with. There are so many connections in the hockey world so that went into my decision too.”
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The left-handed shooter has played nearly 50 AHL contests between the Chicago Wolves and the Henderson Silver Knights.
Boudens spent five years playing college hockey at the University of New Brunswick and amassed 64 points in 135 games. He won multiple championships with the Reds and wore a letter for his last two seasons with the program.