The Cincinnati Cyclones have added some grit to their lineup with the signing of forward Justin Portillo. Portillo, 33, began the 2024-25 season with the FPHL’s newest team, the Athens Rock Lobsters. In 26 games with the Rock Lobsters, he put up five assists along with 136 penalty minutes, which led the team. He also held the role of assistant coach during his time in Athens. He joined the Cyclones in February and played 19 games with the team. Portillo racked up 43 PIMS while becoming a fan favorite. His only other ECHL appearance came during the 2021-22 season with the Kansas City Mavericks. Portillo would play in 11 games with the Mavs while racking up 15 penalty minutes. He is the third player to sign with the Cyclones for the 2025-26 season.
The Toledo, Ohio, native has spent the majority of his career in the FPHL, where he’s put up 45 goals and 58 assists for 103 points in 211 games with the Port Huron Prowlers, Mississippi Ice Wolves, and Athens Rock Lobsters. He’s also seen action in four FPHL playoff games.
“Justin joined the team midseason and was a major boost to the lineup and the locker room.” said Cyclones Head Coach Riley Weselowski, “I feel fortunate to have him on our roster in Cincinnati after being part of his first call-up in Kansas City during the 2021-22 season. Justin leads by example in the way he comes to work every day, and the way he protects his teammates.”
-Head Coach Riley Weselowski on the signing of Portillo (via Cincinnati Cyclones Press Release)
Justin Portillo has also seen 97 games at the SPHL level, where he’s put up nine goals and 14 assists for 23 points along with 481 penalty minutes with the Pensacola Ice Flyers, Vermillion County Bobcats, and Knoxville Ice Bears. During the 2021-22 season, Portillo would lead the SPHL with 197 penalty minutes in 38 games. He’s seen action in two postseason games during his time in the SPHL.
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