ECHL: Cincinnati Cyclones Add Rookie Defenseman

The Cincinnati Cyclones have announced that they’ve signed rookie defenseman Aaron Bohlinger for the 2025-26 season. Bohlinger, 24, joins the Cyclones after finishing his final year of NCAA eligibility, where he put up three goals and 11 assists for 14 points in 32 games with Quinnipiac University. His 11 assists and 14 points were both career highs for Bohlinger. He is the first defenseman and fourth player signed to a contract by the Cyclones for the 2025-26 season.

Prior to his time at Quinnipiac, the Newburgh, NY, native spent the first four years of his NCAA career at UMass Amherst. In 116 games with the Minutemen, he would put up eight goals and 34 assists for 42 points. Bohlinger would be named to the Hockey East All-Academic Team in each of his four years with the Mintuemen. UMass would win a National Championship in 2021 and win back-to-back Hockey East Championships in 2021 and 2022.

“Adding Aaron to our roster early in the offseason was a major boost and instantly added stability to our back end,” said Head Coach Riley Weselowski. “He is a jackknife on defense and can play in all situations when needed. He is great on his edges and has elite deception with an excellent stick.” 
-Head Coach Riley Weselowski on the addition of Bohlinger

Before taking the NCAA route, Aaron Bohlinger spent a year in the BCHL and a year in the USHL. In 55 games with the Alberni Valley Bulldogs, he would put up seven goals and 27 assists for 34 points. He would add three assists in four games during the playoffs. During his time in the USHL, he would play with the Waterloo Black Hawks, where he put up four goals and 12 assists for 16 points in 49 games. Bohlinger also spent a brief time in the NAHL, where he had one goal in six games with the Philadelphia Rebels.

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Armand Klisivitch

Inside The Rink ECHL Manager | Senior Editor Credentialed Reporter for the Adirondack Thunder & Worcester Railers.

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