Every week leading up to October 13, the Rookie Round-Up will give ECHL fans the chance to get to know a rookie who has signed with an ECHL team for the 2017-18 season. This week, the ECHL spoke with Mike Barrett of the Cincinnati Cyclones. He’s eagerly awaiting and preparing for his first professional game – get to know him in this Q&A!
Name: Mike Barrett
Age: 23
Hometown: Orland Park, Illinois
ECHL Team: Cincinnati Cyclones
2016-17 Team: College of the Holy Cross (36 gp, 11g, 16a, 27 pts.)
ECHL: What should Cyclones fans know about you?
Mike Barrett: I played four years of college hockey at Holy Cross in Massachusetts. I am a hard worker with some offensive ability. I play a complete game at both ends of the rink and hope to be a difficult player for my opponents to compete against.
ECHL: Why did you choose to sign with Cincinnati?
MB: It's a great organization with a lot of success in the past. Everyone I spoke to said that Cincinnati is a great place to play and they really take care of their players. It's a great city and I am looking forward to getting there.
ECHL: What are you most looking forward to in your first pro season?
MB: I'm most looking forward to hockey being my main focus. It's almost double the games I am used to playing in college, so that will be a nice change as well. I hope to come into the pro ranks and have some fun while having some team success at the same time. Finally, just looking forward to the ability to compete every night and win some games.
ECHL: Who do model your game after?
MB: Someone like Marian Hossa. I like how he plays a two-way game but also has some offensive upside with the ability to score goals.
ECHL: What is the proudest moment of your hockey career?
MB: Being able to play four years of Division I college hockey was a pretty good accomplishment for me.