CINCINNATI, Ohio - The Cincinnati Cyclones, ECHL affiliate of the Toronto Maple Leafs, announced that longtime captain Justin Vaive has announced his retirement from professional hockey after 16 seasons. Vaive retires as the Cyclones' all-time leader in games played, goals, points, power-play goals and game-winning goals. 

A native of Buffalo, New York, Vaive began his career in the U.S. National Development Program where he spent two seasons with one of the most highly-decorated hockey programs in the world. Vaive represented the United States in the 2006 U-17 IIHF World Championships and the 2007 U-18 IIHF World Championships, where he would earn a silver medal. Immediately following, Vaive would be selected in the fourth round (92nd overall) of the 2007 NHL Draft by the Anaheim Ducks and attend Miami University for four years. 

“We couldn’t be more grateful for the impact Justin has made over the course of his career with the Cyclones,” said Cyclones Chairman and Owner Ray Harris. “His retirement marks the end of a tremendous career, and we are so proud of the legacy he’s left behind with our organization. His statistics speak for themselves, but his impact on our community and the amount of support he’s given this club speaks to his character and commitment to this city.” 

Vaive’s professional career spans 16 seasons, including seven in the American Hockey League, and 13 in the ECHL. He’s recorded 67 points in 280 career games played in the AHL, and 331 points over the course of his 601-game ECHL career. In total, Vaive finishes his career with 881 professional games played, and a Kelly Cup title with the Fort Wayne Komets in 2021. Vaive’s career saw him play for three ECHL teams (Cincinnati Cyclones, Greenville Road Warriors, Fort Wayne Komets) and five AHL clubs (San Antonio Rampage, Hartford Wolf Pack, Bridgeport Sound Tigers, Rochester Americans, Belleville Senators). He is one of just 17 players in the ECHL's 38-year history to play in at least 600 games.

“Cincinnati has always been my home and it always will be. I met my wife here, our daughter was born here, I have so much love for this special place and it’s only fitting that I announce my retirement with the organization that’s given me so much,” said Cyclones forward Justin Vaive. “I just want to thank the organization from ownership to support staff, my teammates, and the fans for making these last 16 seasons a journey to remember.”

As a member of the Cyclones, Vaive holds virtually every offensive record in team history. He finishes his career in Cincinnati with the team record in games played (541), goals (165), points (295), power-play goals (59) and game-winning goals (22). On March 6, 2026, Vaive broke the all-time points record held by Barrett Ehgoetz with his 292nd career point. Ear-ylier that season, he became the first player to appear in 500 games with the Cyclones. He also finishes fourth all-time in assists (130).