Catching up

• The Cyclones renewed their affiliations with both Montreal/Hamilton, and Nashville/Milwaukee. I look forward to seeing what we get from Montreal, as it seems like they've added a lot of depth to their minor league system.
• The team brought back Dean Stork as Assistant Coach/Director of Hockey Operations. It shouldn't come as much of a surprise to anyone.
• MAX FM (97.7/99.5) has agreed to pick up 30 regular season games this year (all road games), as well as any road playoff games. Here's hoping this deal works out for the best. I guess 96ROCK gave up. Doesn't bother me any - their "listen online" coverage was lame.
• Former Cyclone forward Cory Urquhart has signed with the Springfield Falcons. Oh, darn.

Baird Update

Stay updated on Jason's progress with this site run by his wife, Bethany.

Also, it looks like there's going to be a benefit game in Youngstown for him on August 24. Playing in the game will be NJ Devils player Mike Rupp and Kevin Kaminski, who coached Jason in Youngstown. If anyone who reads this is able to go, please drop me a line and let me know how the turnout is. Any donations to that benefit can be sent to:

Cindy Piedra
826 Oakridge Drive
Boardman, OH 44512

If you'd like to make a donation to the Baird family, you can do by sending checks, gas cards, anything you can help with to:

Baird Family Fund
PO Box 264
Perry, OH 44081

Also, if you'd like to send cards to Jason & his family, you can send it to the address here:

Jason Baird
Akron Children's Hospital - Burn Institute
One Perkins Square
Akron, OH 44308

Former Cyclone seriously injured

Former Cyclone Jason Baird was injured in a lawnmower accident in Youngstown, OH last Thursday. More information can be found here and here. According to the article, he was burned on 60-65% of his body, and is currently in a coma in the Akron Burn Unit. My best wishes & thoughts go out to Jason, his wife, and his children. Please keep Jason in your thoughts.