The Cincinnati Cyclones have announced the signing of defenseman Matt Hellickson for the upcoming 2026‑27 season, a move that reunites the veteran with the AHL affiliate of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Hellickson’s journey to the professional ranks began in the United States Hockey League and the Ontario Hockey League, but his most formative years were spent at the University of Notre Dame, where he served as an alternate captain and helped the Fighting Irish capture back‑to‑back Big Ten Conference titles in 2017‑18 and 2018‑19.
During his collegiate career he amassed 52 points — 13 goals and 39 assists — across 146 games, a testament to his offensive contributions from the blue line.
Internationally, Hellickson represented the United States at the 2021 IIHF Men’s World Championship, earning a bronze medal, and he also spent two seasons in the U.S. National Team Development Program, honing his skills before turning pro.
His professional resume includes stints with the Toronto Marlies, the Newfoundland Growlers and the Binghamton Devils of the AHL, where he continued to develop his defensive game after college.
The 2023‑24 season marked his most recent competitive appearance, and the Cyclones hope his experience and leadership will translate into a stronger defensive core and deeper scoring depth for the new campaign.
A New Chapter in Cincinnati
Club officials praised Hellickson’s blend of size, skating and hockey IQ, saying his presence should bolster the defensive core and add depth to the offense as the team aims for a playoff push.
Hellickson himself expressed excitement about returning to the AHL and contributing to an organization with a strong developmental focus, looking forward to making an impact on the ice.