Vaive returns to Cyclones

Action photo of Justin Vaive of the Cincinnati Cyclones

CINCINNATI, Ohio - The Cincinnati Cyclones, ECHL affiliate of the Toronto Maple Leafs, announced that longtime forward Justin Vaive will return to the Cyclones for the 2025-26 season. The Cyclones all-time leader in goals and games played will return to Cincinnati for his 11th season.

Vaive returns to the Cyclones following a 2024-25 campaign that saw him break the Cyclones all-time record for most goals in franchise history. On Oct. 25, 2024, Vaive scored against former team, the Fort Wayne Komets, to surpass Don Biggs with 148 career goals for the club record. Vaive finished with 10 points (6g-4a) in 66 games last season with Cincinnati.

The 36-year-old saw a milestone season where he recorded his 800th professional game, including 471 played with Cincinnati. In addition, Vaive became the first player in Cyclones history to score 150 goals with the organization with his goal against the Maine Mariners on Jan. 17, 2025.

A native of Buffalo, New York, Vaive enters his 15th professional season. Prior to his time with Cincinnati, Vaive played in four collegiate seasons with Miami University. In 2007, Vaive was a fourth-round selection (92nd overall) by the Anaheim Ducks.