The Cincinnati Cyclones have signed forward Yushiroh Hirano to a Standard Player Contract ahead of the 2021-22 ECHL season. Hirano was one of several signings the Cyclones made prior to the 2020-21 campaign, of which the team ultimately elected for voluntary suspension due to the pandemic.

“I’ve been waiting for over a year to get back to America and I’m so excited to be a part of the Cyclones,” Hirano said. “I’ve spent the offseason in Sapporo, Japan, which was tough due to everything that’s going on with the pandemic here. It didn’t allow me to do much on-ice training, but I’ve stayed in shape with off-ice workouts. I’m ready to give it my all and play in front of big crowds with great teammates in Cincinnati.”

“We are getting an elite talent with bringing Yushiroh to the Cyclones,” Cyclones Head Coach Jason Payne said. “He’s got some size and has an especially hard shot that will produce some goals for this team. Hirano has played on special teams in the past as well, so there’s a good chance he instantly improves our power play, too. This is an exciting signing for our team and we can’t wait to have Yushiroh on the ice and in the community this season.”

Hirano is a 3rd year pro in North America who has also played professionally in Japan and Sweden. In 2018/19, he played one game with AHL-Wilkes/Barre/Scranton, earning an assist and becoming the first Asian born player to earn a point in the AHL.